The Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles currently have the NFL’s longest win streak after Week 11 of play. For a Broncos team that has struggled to find ways to win, they’ve suddenly figured it out and are looking to build on it.
Denver Broncos eager to build on four-game win streak
The Cleveland Browns will travel to the Mile High City this Sunday for a 2:05 p.m. MT showdown against the Broncos in what should be a great test of where Denver’s mentality is after a four-game win streak.
Cleveland’s defense presents a very challenging dynamic with their front seven featuring Myles Garrett, who has been on an absolute tear this season. Garrett has been disruptive in 10 games this season, registering 13 total sacks so far.
He’ll likely garner a lot of attention on Sunday, but even Cleveland’s pieces around him have been impactful, including former Broncos defensive lineman Shelby Harris.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton is pleased that his team has found ways to win, but he expressed that he isn’t concerned about the team becoming complacent because they’ve still been bad in various areas on the game tape.
“If you watch this tape I’m watching, there’ll be plenty of time to get focused because it’s not really good,” Payton said on Monday morning. “Like I said, the turnovers put us in the game. They ran the ball better than us, they were better than us on third down, better than us in the red zone and in most areas. Better than us in the kicking game.”
Going forward, the Broncos are going to get everybody’s best effort against their rushing offense in an attempt to force them to pass more. Luckily for them, Russell Wilson delivered efficiently on Sunday Night’s win against the Minnesota Vikings, but they’ll have to be even better going forward.
After Sunday’s game against the Browns, the Broncos will begin their three-game road trip that sees them taking on the red-hot Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, and a struggling Los Angeles Chargers team.
Broncos awaiting NFL’s decision as Kareem Jackson appeals suspension
On Monday, the NFL handed down a four-game suspension to Broncos veteran safety Kareem Jackson after his hit in the first quarter on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs.
Jackson is appealing the NFL’s four-game ruling in hopes of having it reduced once again. Various teammates and league voices came out in support of Jackson against the NFL’s decision.
I had a hit similar to this last season vs. the Baltimore Ravens. No flag and no fine. There is no consistency in these calls and there is clearly motive and an agenda with certain players. Bunch of dirty players in our league. Kareem is not one of them. pic.twitter.com/FN15u6O0AO
— Justin Simmons (@jsimms1119) November 20, 2023
This league something else lmao ! How you supposed to play ball nowadays ?
— Patrick Surtain (@PatSurtainll) November 20, 2023
Regardless of the outcome, the Broncos will be without Jackson on Sunday against the Browns leaving their safety depth in question once again.
P.J. Locke started in place of Jackson the last time he was suspended, but his status for Sunday is up in the air after missing the game against Minnesota with an ankle injury. If he’s unable to go, Denver will likely start Delarrin Turner-Yell opposite of Justin Simmons.
“We’ll see,” Payton said regarding Locke’s status. “We’ll see where he’s at. He’s rehabbing. We discussed it this morning. We’ll probably have a better idea mid to later in the week.”
Denver’s defense is hopeful for Locke’s return this week, but so much will be contingent upon his practice status throughout the week.
The Denver Broncos will be back on the practice field on Wednesday in preparation for Sunday’s Week 12 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.