DENVER, CO — The Denver Broncos have improved to 6-5 on the season after they started off 1-4 earlier in the season. Sunday’s victory saw them capitalize late in the fourth quarter against a stingy Cleveland Browns defense.
Denver Broncos run away in the fourth quarter vs. Browns
Things were dicey for the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter against a tough and rowdy Cleveland Browns defense. Maintaining a 17-12 lead entering the 4th quarter, pressure was on Russell Wilson and the Broncos offense to try and extend their lead.
After the Browns retained possession after a Broncos punt, Denver’s defense was on the field against rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson in a third-and-long situation.
Outside linebacker Baron Browning came free on an extended play and delivered a clean hit to the Browns rookie, leading to an incomplete pass. Nearly eight seconds of time ticked off before an official threw a flag for roughing the passer, extending Cleveland’s drive and proceeding to give them momentum.
That momentum would last temporarily, and in a true sense of ‘ball don’t lie,’ Denver’s defense recovered a fumble two plays later that gave Wilson and the offense the ball in prime field position.
HEY, MR. D.J.
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/dzLwR5CiXm
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 26, 2023
Russell Wilson, Broncos offense come up big in the fourth quarter
On 3rd and 15, Wilson found tight end Adam Trautman off of the scramble drill for a perfectly placed catch that saw him drag his knee in bounds. After initially being called incomplete, Sean Payton threw the challenge flag which revealed that Trautman was inbounds, leading to a Broncos touchdown.
Count it. 😤
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/t3yVlduB9Y
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 26, 2023
With a 24-12 lead, the Broncos defense dialed up pressure on PJ Walker, with Nik Bonitto coming up with a sack with 12:53 left in the fourth quarter. Facing a 4th and 14, the Browns offense was forced to go for it with 8:28 left when safety P.J. Locke came free off the right side, sacking Walker and forcing a fumble for a turnover on downs.
Wilson and the Broncos’ offense milked several minutes off the clock before Wil Lutz field goal extended their lead to 27-12.
Denver’s defense dialed up more pressure once again on Walker, with Drew Sanders getting home for his first career regular-season sack, forcing the Browns to face a 4th and 8 situation, resulting in another stop by Denver’s defense.
On the Browns’ final possession of the game, Denver’s defense came up big once again, with Walker and the Browns offense backed up into their own endzone. Defensive end Zach Allen emerged through the offensive line and wrapped Walker up in the endzone for a safety, extending Denver’s lead to 29-12.
The Denver Broncos (6-5) have won five straight games and will now face the Houston Texans next Sunday in a game that could insert the Broncos firmly into the wildcard picture.