As the Browns drove down the field with less than two minutes left in the game and down nine points to the Broncos, they made one final offensive push.
QB Jameis Winston worked to connect with different pass catchers to move the ball downfield, finding TE David Njoku and WR Jerry Jeudy to lead to a first down. Three plays later, as Winston looked to connect for Njoku, his pass was intercepted by LB Cody Barton, effectively ending the game.
"Very disappointed," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "You put a lot into these games – players and coaches – and you want to come out on the other side. And we didn't do that. We win as a team. We lose as a team. And we'll own this one. But, very, very disappointed."
The Browns now sit at 3-9 on the season following the 41-32 loss to the Broncos in Week 13 on Monday Night Football.
Here are three main takeaways.
Jerry Jeudy shows out in return to Denver
WR Jerry Jeudy knew his return to Denver for the first time would hold different emotions than any other game this season. It was the first time he faced his former team after the Browns acquired Jeudy in a trade with the Broncos in March 2024.
"High emotions," Jeudy said. "Like I said before, you always want to beat the team that you used to play for, but we came up short. We have to find a way to finish, find a way to win."
Jeudy began his NFL career in Denver, after the Broncos drafted him in the first round as the 15th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Broncos developing as a receiver.
After he was traded to the Browns, Jeudy began to establish himself as a top target in their receiving corps. Following the trade of WR Amari Cooper on Oct. 15, Jeudy stepped into a even more prominent role. Heading into Week 13, he was the top target among Browns receivers.
On Monday Night Football, Jeudy demonstrated once again his increased role. He made his presence known early in the first half on the first offensive play. Jeudy caught a pass from Winston and broke through for 44 yards on the reception. He totaled 97 receiving yards on five receptions in the first half alone. He then reset his longest pass of the game in the third quarter when he caught a 70-yard reception on a deep ball from Winston and ran into the end zone for the touchdown.
"He's phenomenal," Winston said of Jeudy. "When we got into this week, he knew what time it was. He was hungry, he was preparing. He was ready to get back here and show up and show out and he did that."
Stefanski said they had a plan going into the game to try and get Jeudy open over the course of the game. He thought their plan was solid, and said Jeudy executed the plan well to get open and make plays.
"He's a good football player," Stefanski said. "We were trying to find ways to get him the ball. He's very, very good after the catch, as we saw. He can run every route in the book. That's kind of how we're utilizing him, moving him around. It's difficult to defend when Jerry's able to line up everywhere, and I think that speaks really to his intelligence."
This was Jeudy's fifth game in a row with 70 or more receiving yards. Jeudy set a career high in receiving yards and receptions as he finished the game with nine receptions for 235 receiving yards and one touchdown. His 235 receiving yards were the fourth-most by a Brown in a single game and he joined WR Josh Gordon (twice) and WR Amari Cooper as the only Browns to surpass 200 receiving yards in a game.
Jeudy's performance against the Broncos was his second 100-yard game of the season and seventh of his career. He joined Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase (264) as the only players to reach 200 receiving yards in a game in 2024. Jeudy is leading the Browns this season with 54 receptions for 880 yards.
Yet, Jeudy also made history on league level. His 235 receiving yards are also the most in NFL history by any player in a game against his former team Jeudy broke Terrell Owens' record of 213 yards set against the 49ers in 2008.
"For his personal success, I think he did amazing," WR Elijah Moore said. "To have his career-high against his old team – look at what he does now when he is used right. He went in the first round for a reason. I've been watching him since I was little, playing with him since I was little, he's nice."
Play-by-play action shots from the Cleveland Browns' Week 13 NFL game vs. the Denver Broncos
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Offensive guard Germain Ifedi (65) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) and Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney (87) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Linebacker Khaleke Hudson (39) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive tackle Jowon Briggs (97) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) and Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) and Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) and Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) and Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) and Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Jameis Winston's career performance and costly turnovers
In his fifth start this season, Winston had moments where he showcased his command of the Browns offense, and others where he struggled.
"It's about showing up when you need to show up the most," Winston said. "That's what great players do. I believe I am a great player, and I have to continue to exemplify that consistently, over and over, play after play."
Not only did Winston lead the Browns down the field throughout the game, but the Browns also finished drives. They have three red zone possessions and three touchdowns. After driving down the field on their second offensive drive of the game, Winston connected with Njoku in the first quarter on an 8-yard touchdown pass.
In the second quarter, Winston found Njoku once again in the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown pass. On their third and final red zone possession in the fourth quarter, Winston threw a short pass to RB Nick Chubb for a 5-yard touchdown pass.
Winston reached 150 career passing touchdowns and set a franchise single-game record with 497 passing yards, while adding four touchdown passes. It was a career-high for yardage for Winston and his fifth career 400-yard passing game. His 58 passing attempts were the second-most by a Brown in a game and his 34 completions were fourth. In five starts this season, Winston has totaled two of top eight single-game passing yardage totals in team history.
Yet, Winston also threw two pick-six plays and three total interceptions. Winston acknowledged that the second pick-six was a "bad throw," and noted how he has to make plays when it matters in games.
"It's about finishing. It's about executing when your team needs you the most. I take pride in that and I'm going to keep working, I'm going to fix it. I will apologize to the guys but I'm still good," Winston said. "Nothing's going to change from a mental perspective, but the physical perspective, I will continue to work. I will be better, especially in the fourth quarter, when you have to be the best."
Check out photos of players warming up for a game against the Denver Broncos
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jaelon Darden (16) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney (87) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jaelon Darden (16) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Tight end David Njoku (85) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
The stadium before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
The stadium before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
`Running back Jerome Ford (34) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney (87) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
The offense before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) and Center Ethan Pocic (55) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Offensive tackle Michael Dunn (68) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jaelon Darden (16) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Offensive guard Germain Ifedi (65) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) and Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive tackle Jowon Briggs (97) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High.
Browns allow multiple explosive plays
The Browns had explosive plays go against them on both sides of the ball over the course of the game – three of which ended in touchdowns for the Broncos. Offensively, they had two pick-sixes and three interceptions. Defensively, the Browns allowed three passing plays for 20 or more yards and three rushing plays for 10 or more yards.
In the second quarter, LB Nik Bonitto read a pass from Winston and picked off the pass intended for TE Jordan Akins. Bonitto returned the interception for a pick-six after a 41-yard run.
Then in the third quarter, after the Browns defense had forced the Broncos into a third-and-11 situation, QB Bo Nix threw a dart downfield and connected with WR Marvin Mims Jr. – who had CB Denzel Ward tight in coverage on Mims. Yet, Mims came down with the catch and ran for 93 yards into the end zone to give the Broncos a 28-17 lead.
"It was a good ball that he [Broncos QB Bo Nix] threw," LB Jordan Hicks said. "Obviously, you hate to give that touchdown up because that was a huge play in the game. I have to be deeper. We have to find a way to get him on the ground. You look at plays like that and they're game-changers, but we had plenty of more plays that we wish we could have back."
One of the final explosive plays that sealed the game for the Broncos came just under two minutes left in the fourth quarter. Winston threw a short pass intended for Moore, but was picked off by CB Ja'Quan McMillian, who returned the ball 44 yards into the end zone for the touchdown. It was the second pick-six of the game.
Just about a minute later, the Broncos ended the game by intercepting Winston's pass intended for Njoku with 44 seconds left. Barton snagged the ball and returned the catch for 56 yards before the Broncos ran out the clock to secure the win.
"I think as a team, you have to win the turnover margin," Stefanski said. "That's the first key to these games. It's hard to go on the road and be a good football team if you turn the ball over like we did, and that's just the truth."
