The Denver Broncos remained undefeated by surviving an overtime game against the Cleveland Browns, who dropped to 2-4 with the 26-23 loss. It wasn't a pretty win for the Broncos, while the Browns let another potential win slip through their hands. Here are three things we learned from each team in the Broncos' win.
Denver Broncos:
1. The Defense Will Carry This Team
The Broncos' defense is easily the biggest reason Denver is 6-0. The offense has been awful (more on that below), but the defense has been spectacular. While the defense can't win every game for Denver, it can get them to the playoffs.
2. Ronnie Hillman Should Be The Starter
Hillman and C.J. Anderson are still splitting carries, but it's time for Hillman to get the bulk of the carries. Hillman recorded 111 yards on 20 carries, while Anderson mustered only 41 yards on 13. For the sake of the running game and the offense, it's time for Hillman to be the starter.
3. Peyton Manning Has Lost His Touch
Manning could rediscover his old form, but right now, Manning doesn't look like even an above average NFL QB. Manning's QBR is 51.7, and that will likely drop after his performance against the Browns. Manning completed 26 of 48 passes for 290 yards and a TD, but threw three interceptions. Manning has now thrown 10 picks this season, the most in the NFL. At this point, it's fair to wonder if Manning will ever be the same QB he once was. I doubt he will.
Cleveland Browns:
1. Classic Browns
That's a game the Browns should have won, but found a way to come up just short. Again. It's not fair to Cleveland fans, who are very loyal, but the Browns can't seem to find a way to win these types of game consistently. That has to change at some point.
2. Josh McCown Is Who We Thought He Is
This was a classic Josh McCown game, as he completed 20 of 39 passes for 213 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs and a fumble. McCown is the king of replacement-level QBs. He can put up decent numbers, but he's going to commit turnovers. McCown is the best QB Cleveland has right now, but he's not good enough to get the Browns to the playoffs.
3. Dwayne Bowe Is Washed Up
This was something I already suspected, but it's been confirmed this week. Bowe has been inactive four times now this season, and has only been targeted once in each of the two games he's actually played. Bowe's 2-year, $12.5 million contract (with $9 million guaranteed) looked bad when it was signed and it looks downright disastrous now.
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