2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Titans make another statement, Chiefs continue free fall

First Energy Stadium was the site for Thursday Night Football as the Cleveland Browns hosted the Denver Broncos. Before the game, things were starting to sound bleak for the home team as the Browns were without Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Odell Beckham, Jr., Jack Conklin, and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.

With all those stars out, they were leaning heavily on veteran journeyman Case Keenum under center and D’Ernest Johnson at running back — who was making his first career start. The result was just 17 points for the offense but that was enough to walk away with a hard-fought win.

Johnson was the hero of the night with 146 yards on the ground and 22 more through the air. He also scored one of their only two touchdowns with Johnny Stanton — who was filling in for an injured Andy Janovich at fullback — scoring the other.

Cleveland also absolutely dominated the time of possession as they held onto the ball for 36:51 while allowing Denver to maintain possession for just 23:09.

Going forward, this team needs to get healthy if they want to keep securing wins since their schedule will start to get more difficult for them as the season progresses. With the way this season has been going, it’s hard to see that happening since they have been bombarded with injuries all season.