Across Denver, the general consensus seemed to be that if the Broncos could just get past the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4, a 6-0 record heading into the bye was all but a sure thing. And after a win last week against the Raiders, so far so good.
But are we underestimating the Cleveland Browns, home of the reigning AFC Offensive Player of the Week?
Congrats to Josh McCown on being named AFC Offensive Player of the Week! 🙌
STORY → http://t.co/kbA21a0PXn pic.twitter.com/x1GLXGfRSE
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 14, 2015
I know it sounds crazy, but Josh McCown really is playing great right now. Despite two losses, he’s completing 68 percent of his passes for an average of 385 yards and two touchdowns over the last three weeks. The offense, which has averaged nearly 27 points a game over that same span, is not the problem.
In all honesty, this may be the best passing attack the Broncos defense has faced all season. Now, if I had the choice, I’d take Joe Flacco and Teddy Bridgewater over McCown any day, but between the Ravens lack of weapons and the Vikings disastrous offensive line, McCown is easily in the best position to succeed.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Browns are the highest graded pass-blocking team in the NFL, and even when under pressure, McCown is solid, completing 61 percent of his passes with defenders in his face.
This may be the best Broncos defense we’ve ever seen, and I would be absolutely shocked if McCown threw up another 350-yard, two-touchdown performance, but we would be unwise to underestimate this Browns team.
For as great as the defense is, this may be a game the Broncos offense has to win.