Jameis Winston’s career game in wild victory over Big Play Broncos

DENVER — The Denver Broncos Continued their push for their first playoff berth since 2015, winning wildly 41-32 game On top of Cleveland Browns Monday night at Mile High’s Empower Field in a matchup that produced 952 combined yards of offense.

The Broncos dominated despite giving up 497 passing yards to the Browns quarterback James Winston Thanks to big plays, i.e. pick-sixes by linebackers Nick Bonito And nickel corners Ja’Quan McMillian with a 93-yard touchdown pass from the rookie quarterback Bo Nix To Marvin Mumms Jr. It was barely enough to withstand a barrage from Winston and the wide receivers. Jerry Geodywho had nine receptions for 235 yards and a 70-yard touchdown reception in his first game against his old team since being traded in the offseason.

Here are the most important things to know from Monday night for both teams:

A lot has gone right for the Broncos this season, as they’ve shown a lot of progress while still having so much promise.

Monday night was their chance to show they are legitimate playoff contenders in the AFC. And what many saw was a wild, back-and-forth game the Broncos somehow won, as they outlasted the Browns to maintain a two-game cushion for the final wild-card spot.

The win moves the Broncos to 8-5 heading into their bye week and keeps them at No. 7 in the AFC despite several surprising moments. Along the way, the Broncos had their longest defensive touchdown of the season (71 yards to Bonito) and their longest offensive touchdown of the season, resulting in two touchdowns of at least 70 yards since 1997. They had their first game together. Their defense surrendered a season. High in yards before the third quarter ended, still scored twice to give Denver the win.

It was their wildest game of the season so far, which will cause quite a break when they return from the bye, but it was a win that put them three games above .500 for the first time since 2016 after 13 games. was needed. They are still in line to break that eight-year playoff drought.

Describe the game in two words: Great Escape. A home crowd, a beautiful evening and a national audience to see their work, but it all almost turned into the dirtiest part of the loss. The Broncos had a patchy offense in the first half — the Broncos had two three-and-out drives in the first half — and a complete meltdown defensively that led to pinball numbers from Winston and Judy. The Broncos, wild night and all, are still in the playoff race, but they raised the team’s blood pressure to such an extent.

Most surprising performance: The Broncos defense, which has been very reliable this season, had one of the wildest rides Monday night, especially in the first half. Winston was 18 of 31 for 245 yards and two touchdowns — by halftime. Denver enters Monday with six games this season in which it has surrendered fewer than 300 yards to an opposing offense and 10 games this season with fewer than 245 yards. Bonito returned a first-half interception 71 yards for a touchdown and McMillan returned the clincher 46 yards for a score with 1:48 left, but the Broncos were on their heels for most of the night. And there’s a lot to repair before playing again.

Disturbing trends: Cornerback Rally Mass‘ Absence on defense was certainly felt by the Browns, as Geody caught nine passes for 235 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown. Moss sustained what coach Sean Payton called a sprained MCL in his right knee in Denver’s Week 12 win over the Raiders and did not play. And while the Broncos’ decision simply not to match Pat Certain II While Jeudy could be argued for the night, Winston repeatedly went after Mass’s substitute — Levi Wallace — in coverage, especially when the Broncos were in the nickel. The Broncos will carry the Moose status as they go into their bye. — Jeff Legold

Next game: Vs Indianapolis Colts (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, December 15)

Winston had the most impressive passing game of his 10-year career and Judy had a career night against his former team. But a valiant effort by Cleveland fell short in Denver.

A pair of Winston pick-sixes, including one on a potential game-winning drive, cost the Browns in Monday night’s high-scoring affair. The loss marked the Browns’ 22nd losing season since returning to Cleveland in 1999.

It’s been a disappointing season for Cleveland, which entered the season with aspirations of making a deep playoff run but was dogged by poor play. Deshaun Watson before suffering his season-ending Achilles injury in Week 7. Winston has breathed life into the Browns since taking over as starter, but his high-profile play was again on display for a national television audience.

QB Malfunction: Winston continued his strong play since becoming the starter in Week 8 and made history by doing so. His 497 passing yards not only tied a career high but also set a Browns franchise record, surpassing the 489 yards Bernie Kosar threw against the New York Jets in the 1986 divisional playoffs. It was also Winston’s third career game with at least 450 passing yards and four touchdowns, tying Peyton Manning for the most games in NFL history. But it was three interceptions and two pick-six backbreaking. His second pick-six was ultimately the difference in defeat but par for the course for his career.

Promising trend: Geody recorded his fifth consecutive game with at least 70 yards, continuing the longest streak of his career. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, his 235 receiving yards in his first game against a former team marked the highest and most of a player’s career in NFL history.

Silver lining: For the fourth time in five starts under Winston, the Browns were facing a playoff contender. Cleveland came up short this time in a heartbreaking loss, but it was another game that could give the Browns’ decision-makers the idea that despite a disappointing season, their roster is back on track rather than straight up. The tool is much needed. — Daniel Oifosi

Next game: But Pittsburgh Steelers (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)