Broncos vs. Browns/ Ja’Quan McMillian pick-six/ Jameis Winston career night/ Jerry Jeudy record/ Denver playoff race/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Denver Broncos defeated the Cleveland Browns 41-32 in a thrilling Monday night clash, highlighted by Ja’Quan McMillian’s game-sealing pick-six. Despite career-best performances by Jameis Winston (497 passing yards) and Jerry Jeudy (235 receiving yards), turnovers plagued the Browns, including two interceptions returned for touchdowns. Denver improved to 8-5, solidifying their playoff position heading into a bye week.
Broncos vs. Browns: Key Highlights
- McMillian’s Heroics: A 44-yard pick-six in the final minutes secured Denver’s victory.
- Winston’s Record: Threw for a franchise-record 497 yards and four touchdowns but was marred by two pick-sixes.
- Jeudy’s Revenge: The former Broncos receiver set a record with 235 yards against his old team.
- Denver’s Momentum: The Broncos moved into the AFC’s final playoff spot with an 8-5 record.
- Key Plays: Nik Bonitto also scored on a 71-yard interception return, and rookie QB Bo Nix connected on a 93-yard touchdown bomb to Marvin Mims Jr.
Broncos Stun Browns 41-32 Behind McMillian’s Pick-Six Heroics
Deep Look
Broncos Capitalize on Browns’ Mistakes
Denver’s defense played a pivotal role in the victory, with Ja’Quan McMillian and Nik Bonitto turning interceptions into touchdowns. McMillian’s game-sealing 44-yard return came with under two minutes left, capitalizing on a late throw by Jameis Winston intended for Elijah Moore. Bonitto’s 71-yard pick-six earlier in the game added to Denver’s momentum.
The Broncos’ defensive unit amassed 171 return yards on three interceptions, proving crucial in offsetting a record-setting performance by Winston, who became the first NFL quarterback to throw for 400+ yards, four touchdowns, and two pick-sixes in a single game.
Winston and Jeudy Shine Despite Loss
Jameis Winston had a night filled with highs and lows. While his 497 passing yards and four touchdowns were career-best numbers, his two costly interceptions were reminiscent of his turnover-prone 2019 season in Tampa Bay.
Jerry Jeudy, facing his former team for the first time, recorded nine receptions for 235 yards and a touchdown. His 235 yards set a league record for the most receiving yards by a player against their former team. Despite boos from Denver fans, Jeudy turned in a career-defining performance, though it was ultimately overshadowed by the Browns’ loss.
Broncos Offense Efficient Behind Nix
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix managed the game effectively, throwing for 294 yards and a touchdown, including a stunning 93-yard strike to Marvin Mims Jr. from deep in Denver’s end zone. Despite two interceptions, Nix’s poise helped the Broncos maintain offensive balance alongside short rushing touchdowns from Javonte Williams and Michael Burton.
Turning Points
- Pick-Six Power: McMillian and Bonitto’s interception returns accounted for 14 crucial points in the Broncos’ victory.
- Go-Ahead Field Goal: Wil Lutz’s 27-yard field goal with under three minutes remaining gave Denver a 34-32 lead before McMillian’s pick-six sealed the game.
- Jeudy’s Highlight Reel: Jeudy’s 70-yard touchdown and a two-point conversion kept Cleveland competitive but fell short in the end.
Playoff Implications for Denver
The Broncos’ win elevated them to 8-5, securing the seventh and final playoff spot in the AFC. With a 76% probability of making the postseason, Denver heads into its bye week with momentum, aiming for its first playoff appearance since winning Super Bowl 50 in the 2015 season.
Cleveland’s Struggles Continue
The Browns fell to 3-9 under Winston, who has filled in for the injured Deshaun Watson. Despite a valiant offensive effort, turnovers and defensive lapses left Cleveland unable to capitalize on a standout performance by Winston and Jeudy.
Key Stats and Injuries
Player Highlights
- Broncos: Bo Nix – 294 passing yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs; Marvin Mims Jr. – 93-yard TD reception.
- Browns: Jameis Winston – 497 passing yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs; Jerry Jeudy – 9 receptions, 235 yards, 1 TD.
Injury Report
- Broncos: WR Jamari Thrash (shoulder), S Brandon Jones (groin).
- Browns: Denzel Ward (calf), S Grant Delpit (head).
What’s Next?
- Browns: Travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers on Sunday.
- Broncos: Enter their bye week before hosting the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 15.
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