[ad_1]
CLEVELAND – Fourth inside the Denver 10-yard line, Cleveland browns strategist Keenum case fell back with the Denver Broncos‘storms over him and nowhere to throw the ball.
So Keenum took off in the middle. And with a Denver linebacker standing in the way, Keenum feigned a left, then dove right for a first down at the 1-yard line. Then, in the next play, he landed a touchdown pass to help propel the Browns into a 17-14 victory on the Broncos Thursday night.
Two offseason the Browns haven’t just signed Keenum to be a mentor for the starting quarterback. Baker Mayfield. They got him to believe he could get away with it in a pinch, to keep Cleveland’s season afloat if asked. With Mayfield out with a torn labrum and tuberosity fracture in his non-throwing left shoulder, Keenum gave birth Thursday night at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Operating effectively from a heavy offense based on action and short throws, Keenum stabilized the Browns after two straight losses. He completed 21 of 33 passes for 199 yards and the touchdown, which followed the game of the game – his fourth down conversion.
“You don’t have to prepare if you stay prepared,” Keenum said this week, “and I’ve been ready since I’ve been here.”
Keenum may need to stay prepared for now.
Further complicating the situation for the Cleveland quarterback, Mayfield revealed he also has a fractured left shoulder. Mayfield aims to return by Cleveland’s next game on Oct.31 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But if Mayfield is unable to go, Keenum proved Thursday that the Browns have another quarterback who can deliver.
Buy on a breakout performance: With Nick chubb and Kareem Hunting the two nursing calf injuries, the third string running back By Ernest Johnson is enjoying his first start to his career. Johnson rushed for 34 yards in opening practice, including a 4-yard touchdown run. Johnson finished with 146 yards – the first 100-yard game of his career. Chubb could be back as early as October 31. But with Hunt set to be out for several weeks, Johnson has shown he can buzz Cleveland’s powerful rushing attack.
Disturbing trend: The Browns’ defense dominated much of the game, now Denver to 76 total yards in the first half. But in the second half, the Cleveland defense had multiple opportunities to put Denver – and its lackluster offense – on the sidelines. Instead, the Broncos were able to craft a touchdown in the fourth quarter to keep the game interesting. The Browns still have the talent to field a top defense. But mid-season, they haven’t got everything in place yet.
Describe the game in two words: Get right. It wasn’t the best performance, but the Browns desperately needed the win to keep their lofty preseason aspirations intact.
[ad_2]
Source Link
