Browns scouting report: Denver Broncos
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is an analyst on the Cleveland Browns for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Browns v. Denver Broncos
Sunday, 4:05 p.m., in Empower Field at Mile High; Denver, CO
Record: 5-5.
Last game: Defeated Minnesota Vikings, 21-20, November 19 in Denver.
Coach: Sean Payton, 5-5, first year; 157-94, overall.
Series record: Broncos lead, 24-7 (counting postseason).
Last meeting: Browns won, 17-14, October 21, 2021, in Cleveland.
League rankings: Offense is 19th overall (14th rushing, 24th passing), defense is 32nd overall (32nd rushing, 24th passing) and turnover differential is plus-6.
Things to watch
1. Eight weeks ago the Broncos lost in Miami, 70-20, to fall to 0-3. The Dolphins could’ve broken the 57-year-old scoring record of 72 points in a game, but they took a knee rather than kick a field goal at the end. Three weeks later, the Broncos were at 1-5. Then they ripped off four wins in a row – against the Packers, Chiefs, Bills and Vikings – to climb to 5-5 and into the AFC wild-card race.
2. The turnaround has been based on two changes – a more conservative, low-risk, run-oriented offense and a defense that has caught the turnover bug. Twelve takeaways in the last three games raised Denver’s total to 19 – tied for second in the NFL.
3. Sean Payton showed great restraint in not making a defensive coordinator change after giving up the 70-spot in Miami. Rather, Payton, coordinator Vance Joseph and senior defensive consultant Joe Vitt agreed on some lineup changes. Ja’Quan McMillian was moved to slot cornerback and he’s made four takeaways the last three games. Fabian Moreau was promoted to starting cornerback and he’s added an interception. The Broncos also got back two key injured defensive players from injuries – safety Justin Simmons and nose tackle Mike Purcell.
Under new coach Sean Payton, Russell Wilson's game has turned around and more resembled the Hall of Fame-trending career he had with Seattle before his trade to Denver.
4. After a disastrous first season in Denver, quarterback Russell Wilson has rebounded to respectability in the first year under Payton. Wilson has 19 touchdowns v. 4 interceptions and a passer rating of 104.3. Now, his 6.95 yards per attempt is a career low, but he can still connect on shot plays and his four fourth-quarter comeback wins lead the NFL this year.
5. Mainstay receivers Courtland Sutton (45 receptions, 499 yards, 8 touchdowns) and Jerry Jeudy (35, 429, 1) are Wilson’s go-to guys. But rookie Marvin Mims can go over the top of defenses. Mims averages 19.8 yards on 13 catches. He doesn’t have enough punt and kick returns to qualify in the league leaders. If he did, he would be No. 1 in kick return average (33.6, with a 99-yard TD) and punt return average (20.7).
Did you know … ?
1. Strong safety Kareem Jackson was suspended four games (pending appeal) for an illegal hit on Josh Dobbs. Jackson, 35 and in his 14th NFL season, has been fined four times for illegal hits this year for $89,670. He has been ejected twice and suspended twice.
2. The Broncos are 26th with 19 sacks after they released pass rushers Randy Gregory in September and Frank Clark in October. Payton decided they didn’t fit his locker room culture. The Broncos have allowed 32 sacks, so that minus-13 sack differential is significant.
3. Heirs of the Walmart fortune purchased the Broncos in 2022 for $4.65 billion. In their first two years of ownership, they essentially traded three first-round draft picks and three second-round picks for Wilson (in 2022) and Payton (in 2023). They also signed Wilson to a five-year contract for $242 million. After a terrible first year with the Broncos, Wilson has played well enough to probably secure his deal through 2025. At that point, he’ll be 37 years old.
4. Under former coach Nathaniel Hackett, Wilson was given numerous privileges that disconnected him with teammates. Payton has removed most of them, including a personal office in team headquarters, multiple preferred parking spots, and office space for his personal quarterback coach, trainer and masseuse.5. The Browns are 4-13 in Denver all-time, counting post-season.
Small world: Running back Jaleel McLaughlin played at Youngstown State … Linebackers Jonathan Cooper and Baron Browning played at Ohio State … Tight end Adam Trautman played at Dayton.
