The Denver Broncos (3-3) have won every game in September and then proceeded to lose every game in October so far. They take on a Cleveland Browns (3-3) team that is in shambles this week with injuries and a short week, so if there was every a chance to get back on track it is this Thursday Night Football game.
Denver will face a familiar foe at quarterback with Baker Mayfield out in Week 7. Case Keenum will get the start against his former team. The Browns will be without both starting running backs with Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb out of this game, but that doesn’t mean the Broncos won’t have to respect the Browns rushing attack. Defensive coordinator Ed Donatell mentioned that this week.
“We have great respect for their running game, and it starts with their offensive line and their commitments as an organization,” Donatell said. “They block things up, so that won’t change. On the other hand, those are two top, premium backs in this league, and they add a special ingredient to the running game. Again, we’ll see those same schemes. We have to be in the right fits and tackle great in this game.”
If they stop the run and force Keenum into some pressure situations, Denver could have a good game this week. It’s a big if with the pass defense being last in the league over the least three weeks.
Kickoff is set for 6:20 p.m. Mile High time on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.