If the Broncos cannot get a win against an injury riddled Browns team that has Case Keenum Starting Tonight, some coaching changes could take place between the end of the Browns game and before they host Washington on Halloween. Broncos most definitely should not overlook the injured browns and work a gameplan as if the Browns are at full strength. They must find a way to keep Myles Garret and that Pass rush off balance with a consistent run game and quick decisions by Bridgewater. On the defensive side, the corners need to be more disciplined than they have been the last few weeks and the pass rush needs to be able to generate consistent pressure on Keenum. I will elaborate on these points for my keys to the game.
Don’t Look Past Injured Browns
The Broncos can still easily lose this game if they don’t come with a well formed gameplan even if it is against the de facto second unit of the Browns. The Browns are down Landry, Mayfield, both their start backs in Chubb and Hunt, possibly OBJ, etc… However, this game can still be very close if the Broncos coaching staff continue to be out coached. An example of how coaching matters is the Patriots Cowboys game from last week. The Cowboys are much more talented top to bottom over the Pats but still found themselves in a close game winning in OT 35-29 because Belichick out coached McCarthy and was able to put his young squad in good positions throughout the whole game. My point is talent does not just win games. Coaching Matters! If Fangio and Shurmer want to have any future with this team, they must put together a gameplan that puts their players in the best position and if they can do that they should win by double figures easily. Now let’s speak of the gameplan itself.
2. Keep Browns Pass Rush Off Balance
Teddy Bridgewater was sacked 5 times against the Raiders as the Broncos have given up 2+ sacks in every game this year. Sacks are not always on the O line. It’s going to take a a collective effort from the whole offense from the running backs to the QB to the Wide receivers to help lower the number of sacks. It is more than just asking the line to block better. The Broncos need to run the ball more than 25+ times as it should not matter that the browns rank 3rd against the run giving up only 87 yards per game this season. A 2-3 yard gain may mean nothing at first sight but it keeps a defense of balance and honest and makes them play both the run and the pass. Stopping the run demands more physically as the wear and tear described by many players is not fun to go through. Then, the Broncos can pull out the play action which could force Garrett to think even for a split second about whether the play is a run or pass. Teddy also must do a better job protecting the football and getting the ball out his hands quickly to his playmakers and let them do the damage. It’s not all on Teddy as Shurmer must come up with a game-plan loaded with quick passes.
3. Avoid Embarrassment
Nothing would be worse for the Broncos than a team full of injuries led by former bronco Case Keenum to beat them on national television on prime time. It would be absolutely embarrassing for the players and coaches and the fans would never let them hear the end of it. This thought alone should get the Broncos fired up to come in to Cleveland and smack around a team that has no business winning this game for 60 minutes. The Broncos have seemed to lack competitive fire the last 3 games and there is no better game to get it back than this one in front the world on Thursday Night Football.
All in all, it is paramount that the Broncos get a win tonight against a banged up Browns team in prime time just to get some confidence back. A consistent running game and short but effective throws should be able to keep the Browns pass rush on their heels all night and increase the Broncos chances of winning this one in a blow out. However, I don’t see the Broncos executing this gameplan very well based on what I’ve seen the last 3 weeks.
Prediction: 23-17 Broncos
Teddy: 225 yards 1 TD 1 INT
Gordon and Javonte: 90 yards and 1 TD
Defense: give up less than 350 yards with 3 sacks and a turnover
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