Case Keenum made sure the Cleveland Browns would be just fine even without Baker Mayfield. The newly installed starting quarterback led the Browns to a gritty 17-14 victory over the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football. It was a critical win for the Browns, who finally snapped their two-game losing skid.
Keenum delivers in first start since 2019
Keenum stole the show in his first start in a Cleveland uniform, completing 21 of 33 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown. He was exceptional, particularly during the play preceding his lone touchdown pass. With Cleveland holding a slim 10-7 lead in the third quarter, the Browns decided to roll the dice and go for it on fourth down inside the Denver 10-yard line.
Keenum used his legs to get the crucial first down, taking off up the middle before diving right at the Broncos' 1-yard line. Keenum just would not be denied in that play as he managed to gain some extra yards despite the Broncos' attempts to take him down during his run.
"You don't have to get ready if you stay ready" 👀@casekeenum with an all-time Mic Drop to end his interview 🔥😂 @Browns pic.twitter.com/B3p8BA2Xup
— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) October 22, 2021
That proved to be the difference in the game, with the Browns holding on for the three-point win. Keenum's stellar display under center gave the Browns faithful hope that they can still make a playoff charge even without Mayfield in the lineup.
Mayfield missed his first-ever start for the Browns after being diagnosed with a torn labrum and a tuberosity fracture in his left non-throwing shoulder. He first suffered the torn labrum in Week 2 win against the Houston Texans and aggravated the injury in the Week 6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals after he was sacked by J.J. Watt.
The main concern for Mayfield now is the fracture, which prevents his rotator cuff from firing, according to the Browns quarterback. Mayfield said he needs that fracture to heal to get back out there with the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 31, his target return date.
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D'Ernest Johnson wreaks havoc on the ground
It was not just Keenum who gave the Browns a major lift in their win against the Broncos. Third-string running back D'Ernest Johnson also dazzled in his first career start as he stepped up big time in the absence of both Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
Johnson immediately made his presence felt on the opening drive, rushing for 34 yards, including a four-yard score that gave Cleveland a 7-0 lead. Johnson punished the Broncos' defensive line all evening long, running for 146 yards in total. He became the third Cleveland running back to compile more than 100 scrimmage yards this season, joining Chubb and Hunt.
Cleveland's defense also stood tall in the win, limiting Denver to just 223 total yards, the Broncos' lowest output in a game this season.
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