Well-rested following last Thursdayโs upset win over the Steelers, the Browns now look ahead to Monday nightโs 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 Stefanskiโs defense will rely heavily on Myles Garrett to disrupt a Broncos offense that surprisingly ranks 10th in passing touchdowns under rookie Bo Nix.
Denverโs 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 weekโs win over the Raiders however, it sounds like Payton has a plan for Clevelandโs three-time All-Pro, just like he did a year ago.
โTheyโre different [types of] players,” Payton told reporters on Wednesday. “Theyโre both elite at their position. Theyโre 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 weekโs win though, Payton probably wonโt 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 itโs necessary.โ
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.
