Browns edge Broncos
CLEVELAND – The Browns’ backups delivered.
Case Keenum stepped in for Baker Mayfield and made the most of his first start in two years, thirdstring back D’Ernest Johnson rushed for 146 yards and the busted-up Cleveland Browns beat the Denver Broncos 17-14 on Thursday night.
Keenum didn’t put up impressive stats (21 of 33 for 199 yards), but threw a touchdown pass and did enough – as did Cleveland’s maligned defense – to get the Browns (4-3) a much-needed victory.
They survived without Mayfield, who sat out with a shoulder injury and could miss more time.
“You don’t have to get ready if you stay ready,” Keenum said after his first win since 2019.
Johnson, playing because stars Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt were both out with calf injuries, had the best game of his career. He scored on a 4-yard run in the first half and picked up 52 yards on seven carries as the Browns chewed up the final 5:17 after the Broncos pulled within three.
“The last drive was very frustrating,” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said. “We loaded up against the run and we couldn’t stop them.”
Afterward, Johnson, who worked on a fishing boat when he wasn’t drafted, got doused with water by his teammates in a raucous locker room celebration.
“He got a game ball and it was a good moment,” Keenum said. “I mean, there was lots of cheering, lots of water and everything being thrown. And he gave a little speech that was heartfelt.”
Denver quarterback Teddy Bridgewater threw a pair of TD passes and gutted it out while playing with foot and quadriceps injuries. He finished 23 of