You can’t beat that winning feeling.
The Denver Broncos played a complete game on Sunday and found a way to close one out in their 24-19 win over the Cleveland Browns. What the heck? In the process, the Broncos (3-6) all but ended the season for Cleveland (2-6).
As Adam Malnati and I discussed on the MHR Radio Podcast (Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify), it feels great, man.
It feels great.
Per the usual, I’m bound to forget someone or leave them off, so please mention them in the comments.
Winners
Brandon Allen
Helluva showing by Allen in his first career start in the NFL. The young quarterback played with massive poise, was smart with his decisions, didn’t do too much, and was exactly what Denver needed. Allen was 12-for-20 passing for 193 yards and two touchdowns. He also had five rushes for 13 yards. That’s the other aspect of Allen’s game that shined. He showed an ability to keep plays alive, but he didn’t use it as a crutch. That’s a positive for Allen and the offense going forward. As Broncos head coach Vic Fangio quipped after the game, they’re not ready to put him in Canton yet, but I have no qualms calling this performance “elite.”
Rich Scangarello
The first-year offensive coordinator has taken a lot of flack. On Sunday, he called his best game this season by far. The offense was firing on all cylinders with a game plan tailored to Allen’s strengths, that also utilized misdirection and play action very well. And how about the wildcat play call to end the game? How’s that for aggressive?
Courtland Sutton
I think the best way to describe that 21-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter is simply, “holy shit.” Sutton had himself another remarkable game. He had five catches for 56 yards and the touchdown.
Noah Fant
So much for the “bust” nonsense. Fant had himself a day on Sunday and showed what he’s capable of in this offense. That tackle-busting 75-yard touchdown run was a beautiful sight. Fant led Denver with three catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. Well done, rook.
Phillip Lindsay
With the game on the line, yeah, I think I would put the ball in the hands of No. 30, too. Not only did Lindsay ice the game with his 16-yard run off the wildcat, he stayed in bounds to ensure the clock continued to run. Lindsay had a team-high 92 yards on nine carries and a gorgeous touchdown run. As a team, Denver finished with 127 yards on 20 carries.
Davontae Harris
Any time the Broncos defense needed a stop, Harris was there to make the play. As he did on the play that ended the game on fourth-and-4. Harris finished with seven tackles and two passes defended.
Alexander Johnson
It’s starting to look more and more that Denver has found its long sought after middle linebacker. Another great game from Johnson who was all over the field for the defense. Johnson lead the Broncos with 13 tackles. I’ll throw Todd Davis in here as well for an honorable mention. Davis was in on 10 tackles for Denver.
Justin Simmons
Pay the man. That’s it. That’s the write-up for the Broncos safety. Simmons had eight tackles and two tackles for the loss.
Malik Reed
The undrafted edge continues to take advantage of his opportunity with Bradley Chubb injured. Reed was one of the standouts on Sunday with his three tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass defended.
Derek Wolfe
Talk about being all over the field, that was Wolfe versus Baker Mayfield and the Browns offense. Wolfe had five tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, one pass defended and two quarterback hits.
Losers
Diontae Spencer
When you have the only turnover in the game, you get put on the list. That’s the only reason Spencer is here.
Chris Harris Jr.
You don’t see the veteran cornerback on this part of the list that often, but he had a rough game in some key moments.