Browns Backups Beat Slumping Broncos

October 22, 2021 3:59 am

CLEVELAND (AP) – The Cleveland Browns put together just enough offense with quarterback Baker Mayfield and running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt out with calf injuries.  Third-string back D’Ernest Johnson rushed for 146 yards in guiding the Browns’ offense in a 17-14 victory over Denver. Johnson scored on a 4-yard run in the first half and picked up 52 yards on seven carries as the Browns chewed up the final 5:17.  Case Keenum threw for a TD and was 21 of 33 for 199 yards in his first start in two years.  Denver quarterback Teddy Bridgewater threw a pair of TD passes and gutted it out while playing with foot and quadriceps injuries. He finished 23 of 33 for 187 yards with one interception.  The Broncos finished the game without linebacker Von Miller because of a sprained ankle.  The Browns improved to 4-3, while the Broncos dropped their fourth in a row since a 3-0 start.