USA Today via Reuters
Oct 21, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back D’Ernest Johnson (30) celebrates with wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) anf wide receiver Rashard Higgins (82) after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 21, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back D’Ernest Johnson (30) celebrates with wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) anf wide receiver Rashard Higgins (82) after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Injuries ravaged Cleveland Browns ahead of their week seven fixture against Denver Broncos. QB1 Baker Mayfield suffered a shoulder injury, Odell Beckham Jr. remained doubtful, and star running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt also didn’t play. But when the stars were out of action, the rest of the team pulled up big time.
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USA Today via Reuters
Oct 21, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Johnny Stanton (40) scores a touchdown on a pass from Cleveland Browns quarterback Case Keenum (not pictured) during the second half against the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Three stars shone brightest on Thursday Night Football. The first one was D’Ernest Johnson. Cleveland’s backup running back registered an immaculate performance against the Broncos, with 22 receptions and 146 yards covered. Let’s not forget, he also converted a Case Keenum pass to score a crucial touchdown.
Speaking of Case Keenum, he’s the second star of the day. Cleveland’s backup quarterback stole the show with a heroic performance. Few considered Keenum to be a match winner for the Browns, but he stepped up big time. In a magnificent show of grit, Keenum took a huge gamble by using a fourth down to score a touchdown, breaking tackles from left and right.
While he didn’t make the TD, he picked up a first down. Fortunately, fullback Johnny Stanton converted Keenum’s next pass to score Cleveland’s second touchdown. Finally, the third star that shone was the returning Jarvis Landry. For an injury ravaged Browns, the returning star picked up crucial first downs, and covered 37 yards with 5 receptions.
D’ Ernest Johnson on 1 tonight!! Love to see it! #Browns
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 22, 2021
Damnit Landry! 🙏🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 22, 2021
D’Ernest Johnson: 22 for 146 and a TD. SLOW GRIND #Browns
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) October 22, 2021
Myles Garrett was just held so bad that they could use the images and video as the literal rule book example for offensive holding. #Browns
— Jeff D MovieRankings.net (@JeffDLowe) October 22, 2021
If anyone has a question about how important a run game is. Look at the beautiful 4 min offense the Browns just finished the game with #Browns
— Leroy Hoard (@BigMouthLeroy) October 22, 2021
No Chubb. No Hunt. No Problem. #America'sTeam #Browns
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) October 22, 2021
Keenum, Defense, outstanding tonight. Great win. Victory Friday! #Browns
— Tony Rizzo (@TheRealTRizzo) October 22, 2021
In all seriousness, Case Keenum is a very strong back up. Top 5 back up. Not a guy you build around but total pro. He competes his butt off and can keep you afloat while the franchise guy is out. Nice work by Case tonight. A gamer. Fun to watch.
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) October 22, 2021
What happened to Odell Beckham Jr?
Despite being questionable ahead of the fixture, Odell Beckham Jr. took the field and started against Denver Broncos. Many expected him to turn on the afterburners and show defensive players a clean pair of cleats. Unfortunately, he had quite a forgettable game, marred by another possible injury.
OBJ covered only 22 yards with two receptions, before he limped off the field. He returned to the game, but did not leave much of a mark. This throws up the question of whether he’s a commodity Cleveland should hold on to. Former NFL star Robert Griffin III certainly has his own opinion on the matter.
The Browns need to trade OBJ because they don’t feature him, some games they don’t even try to throw it to him, their QBs don’t seem to be able to sync up with him on the deep ball or any other route. He is wayyy to talented to be this poorly utilized. Oh and now he is hurt 🤦🏾♂️
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 22, 2021
Was this a sign of things to come for the Browns? Can they actually put on decent displays with their quality offensive line missing? This game honestly surprised us all, but it sure feels good to be a Browns fan, even if the joy won’t be eternal.
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