Broncos survive Browns scare with two clutch interceptions to keep playoff hopes alive in wide-open AFC West
Thanks to a pick from Ja’Quan McMillian, the Denver Broncos were able to close the door and put the Cleveland Browns to bed on Monday Night Football.
The teams went back and forth, with Cleveland looking to spoil Denver’s run for a playoff spot. Ultimately, Bo Nix and Co. with a 41-32 win ahead of their bye week after a tense four quarters.
The game was closely contested, with Denver ahead, 34-32, as the clock struck the final two minutes.
After Browns quarterback Jameis Winston threw a lazy pass to Elijah Moore, McMillian flew in for the interception. Landing on his back, the cornerback got up and brought the 44-year-old back to ice the win.
Their defense would again be the key to victory in the final seconds as Cody Barton put the nail in the coffin for the match.
The Denver Broncos survived a close game against the Cleveland Brown on Monday night
As Winston tried to keep the Browns alive, Barton recorded the Broncos’ third interception for the night and embarked on a 47-yard dash – his victory lap after conceding the win – before being stopped.
Nevertheless, it would be too late for Cleveland, as they moved to 3-9 with the loss. On the other hand, the Broncos moved to 8-5 while sitting third in the AFC West.
Results aside, both quarterbacks shined in the game, while Nix and Winston – down to the three interceptions – kept their teams afloat throughout the game.
In the third quarter, Nix threw a highlight-worthy 93-yarder to Marvin Mims Jr. to give Denver a ten-point lead that seemed to evaporate before they secured the victory.
Nix parlayed the touchdown with 294 total yards, completing 18 of 35 passes. He also threw for two interceptions.
Ja’Quan McMillian scored a touchdown off a pick in the final minutes of Monday’s game
On the other hand, Winston completed 34 of 58 attempts for 497 yards and four touchdowns.
David Njoku received two of Winston’s scoring passes, while Jerry Juedy and Nick Chubb each caught one.
Michael Burton and Javonte Williams also rushed for touchdowns for Denver.
The Broncos have won three in a row and will play the Indianapolis Colts at home on December 15. Meanwhile, the Cleveland remain on the road against Pittsburgh on Sunday.
ESPN’s analytics now give the Broncos a 76 percent chance of making the playoffs with four games remaining in the regular season.