ENGLEWOOD – A Mile High correction is needed.
The Broncos are all but done but Baker Mayfield is just getting started.
Perhaps the home venue of Broncos Stadium at Mile High can create a speed bump to Mayfield’s rapid ascent as one of the NFL’s most exciting young quarterbacks.
Mayfield is the Cleveland Browns’ best hope to avenge all those tortuous defeats his franchise suffered to John Elway the quarterback in the late-1980s. Browns fans have been spotted with T-shirts that read, “I Still Hate John Elway.” At least they’re over it. ‘’It’’ being, “The Drive” and “The Fumble.”
Perhaps, the Broncos’ hold on the Browns is forever. Put it this way: Mayfield is no Patrick Mahomes II. And the Broncos gave the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback everything he could handle before he pulled out two wins against Denver earlier this season.
The Broncos won’t play as bad as they did in the first half earlier this week at San Francisco. That would be impossible. The question is, are the improved Browns ready for prime time?
Here is a Klis List of ways the Broncos can beat the Browns and keep their playoff hopes alive:
*Don’t defer. Take the ball
This would only apply, of course, if the Browns lose the toss. (Visitors always call the coin flip).
Much has been made this week about the Broncos’ slow starts. Specifically, they haven’t scored a first-quarter touchdown in five consecutive games.
The Broncos have followed the league-wide trend of deferring till the second half if they win the toss. In theory, this gives them the last possession of the first half and first possession of the second half.
But if a fast start is really a priority this week, take the ball first. Placekicker Brandon McManus won the toss last week at San Francisco and deferred by order of head coach Vance Joseph.
The 49ers’ offense then had a nine-play drive, a 10-play possession, and the first three plays of a six-play drive that leaked into the second quarter. That’s 22 plays and 11 minutes, 2 seconds of a 15-minute quarter.
It’s hard to score if you don’t have the ball.
*Pick up a third down
The Broncos are getting pretty good on fourth down. But they had no choice after going 2 of 15 on third down last week against the 49ers.
*Frustrate Baker
He’s good. He’s confident. He’s accurate. But he’s still a rookie. That means he hasn’t seen it all, yet.
The Broncos can give him a double-dose of Von Miller and Bradley Chubb on the pass rush and disguise the coverages, so he doesn’t read what he thinks he sees.
*Run the rookies
Most would prefer the rookie be Phillip Lindsay, who needs just 33 rushing yards to become the Broncos’ first rookie to reach the 1,000-yard milestone since Clinton Portis in 2002.
But Royce Freeman can get his yards, too. The Broncos must run the ball better than they did last week at San Francisco. That could help quarterback Case Keenum convert his third downs.
*Quick throw Case
Vance Joseph was right: Keenum must be more aggressive letting the ball go. To get him in a proper habit, offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave should design a bunch of early receiver screens, slants, outs and hooks. Then he can take a shot or two downfield to Courtland Sutton. It’s all in the setup.
*Stop Nick Chubb
Mayfield isn’t the only reason why the Browns’ offense has dramatically improved since Gregg Williams and Freddie Kitchens took over as head coach and offensive coordinator, respectively.
Bradley’s second cousin Nick has averaged 18 carries and 88 yards in the past five games.
*Cover David Njoku
He may not be George Kittle. But Njoku is a tight end with 47 catches. The Browns have an array of receiver targets led by Jarvis Landry and include former Colorado State star Rashard Higgins.
But tight end must be the priority. The return of Brandon Marshall, the Broncos’ best cover linebacker, should help. And veteran cornerback Jamar Taylor is ready to play more snaps this week.
The return of Tramaine Brock should also help.
*Play with a do-or-die intensity.
If the Broncos lose, they may will be eliminated Sunday. If the Tennessee Titans defeat the New York Giants, the Broncos would be eliminated if they lose to the Browns.
The Broncos could have something to play for on Christmas Eve in Oakland, though, if they beat the Browns on Saturday.
