Browns vs Broncos: 3 key match-ups to watch
Sep 3, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) before the preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Coming off an impressive 33-30 overtime victory against the Baltimore Ravens, the Cleveland Browns have a huge showdown looming at FirstEnergy Stadium with the undefeated Denver Broncos.
The 5-0 Broncos have elite playmakers on both sides of the ball and pose a big challenge for the Browns on both sides of the ball. The Broncos defense enters the week first in total yardage per game allowing an average of 278.0 yards per game. The unit also ranks second in points per game only allowing an average of 15.8 points. Offensively the Broncos are led by future hall of fame quarterback Peyton Manning. Manning is one of the best quarterback’s in NFL history and is equipped with playmakers around him. The Browns have a battle ahead and here are some key match-ups that the Browns need to win in order to win the game.
Tramon Williams vs. Demaryius Thomas
Pro Bowl defensive back Joe Haden will be out of Sunday’s game while in the concussion protocol. Veteran Tramon Williams will be slated as the Browns top corner and will have a tall task in hand guarding Denver’s Demaryius Thomas. Thomas has not only emerged as Peyton Manning’s go to receiver but has developed into one of the best receivers in the NFL. Thomas has made three consecutive Pro Bowls. In the those three season’s he has recorded at least over 1,000 yards and ten touchdown’s. The defense can’t allow Thomas to be the “X” factor and dominate the game if the Browns want to have a chance to win.
The Browns secondary has struggled and underperformed so far this season. Many regarded the secondary as a top five secondary unit, but that has not been the case this season. With Haden being sidelined against a hall of fame quarterback and pro bowl receiver, it will be a huge loss. That is no excuse for the defense and it is time for the next man up for the Browns. That man is Tramon Williams. Williams has brought leadership to the defense and has been the secondaries most consistent and reliable player this season. If Tramon Williams can contain Demaryius Thomas from having a huge day it will give the defense a big boost without their shutdown corner.
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Von Miller vs. the Browns offensive line
On the defensive side of the ball, Denver is led by playmaking edge rusher Von Miller. Miller has been a quarterback sacking machine since entering the league in 2011. Miller recorded 14.0 sacks a season ago and has been an essential part of Denver’s pass rush. Browns head coach Mike Pettine is aware of the challenge. In his weekly press conference Pettine addressed the Broncos pass rush ability. “Not only do they sack the quarterback, they’re hitting him, too, and that has an effect over time.”
“Anytime you can tell a Von Miller that it’s second-and-10 or its third-and-11, they are playing the run on the way to the quarterback. We have to be in as few situations like that as possible” -Mike Pettine
The Browns need to double team Miller and take his presence out of the game. A few weeks ago against Oakland, the Browns were caught in mismatches with either running back Duke Johnson or Isaiah Crowell in pass protection against Khalil Mack. This cannot happen against Miller.
Miller is a violent pass rusher and can change a game with one play. The Browns need to focus on doubling Miller and taking him out of the game. This should be possible for the Browns to accomplish with Denver’s other elite pass rusher DeMarcus Ware likely out of the game with a back injury.
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Josh McCown vs. the Broncos secondary
Josh McCown is coming off a career game where he passed for 457 yards and tossed two touchdowns against Baltimore. His performance earned him AFC Player of the week. However, this week will provide to be a true test for McCown and the offense. In his Wednesday press conference McCown credited Denver’s defense. “We will have our hands full,” McCown said. “We understand that. We are putting together a good gameplan, but it will take a good week’s worth to be prepared for these guys.”