Well-rested following last Thursday’s upset win over the Steelers, the Browns now look ahead to Monday night’s trip to Mile High for a date with the 7-5 Denver Broncos.
With only one win to show from five road games this year, Kevin Stefanski’s defense will rely heavily on Myles Garrett to disrupt a Broncos offense that surprisingly ranks 10th in passing touchdowns under rookie Bo Nix.
Denver’s first-round talent has done a phenomenal job extending plays and fighting for life in the pocket, suffering only 19 sacks (fourth fewest in the league) behind an offensive line that has given up the sixth-lowest pressure rate on their quarterback.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton knows Garrett, one of the front runners in the Defensive Player of the Year chase, poses his own set of challenges after feasting on 10 quarterbacks already this season.
After holding Maxx Crosby sackless in last week’s win over the Raiders however, it sounds like Payton has a plan for Cleveland’s three-time All-Pro, just like he did a year ago.
“They’re different [types of] players," Payton told reporters on Wednesday. "They’re both elite at their position. They’re both Pro Bowl, All-Pro-type caliber players that can take over a game."
Garrett was held sack-less himself last season when he faced off against the Broncos in Week 12, a game the Browns lost 29-12. After wrapping up Russell Wilson three times in last week’s win though, Payton probably won’t take too much confidence away from what happened in the past.
"It forces you to have a really good plan for them," Payton said. "That requires a little bit more work, a little bit more calories during the evening meetings, but it’s necessary.”
With wins over two playoff-ready teams in Baltimore and Pittsburgh over the last month, Garrett and the Browns will be hoping to play the role of spoiler again to cap off Thanksgiving weekend.
