Mile High Sports

Halftime Notes: Broncos struggle to run the football

Dec 15, 2018; Denver, CO, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrates with wide receiver Breshad Perriman (19) and running back Duke Johnson Jr. (29) after a touchdown in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Through two quarters of play, the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns are currently tied, 10-10.

After a slow start to the game for rookie running back Phillip Lindsay, Denver has primarily relied on its passing offense to move the football. Lindsay has seven carries for 10 yards and has been stuffed behind the line of scrimmage on multiple carries. In Lindsay’s defense though, the offensive line has struggled to create any kind of hole for the rookie running back.

Without any kind of rushing attack, quarterback Case Keenum relied heavily on Courtland Sutton and his tight ends in the passing game. Primarily using quick passes and short plays near the line of scrimmage, Keenum completed 19-of-28 pass attempts for 140 yards and one interception. The veteran quarterback also had a one-yard rushing touchdown, which capped off a 13-play, 88-yard drive.

Defensively, the Broncos have done a nice job limiting rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Browns’ offense so far. That being said, multiple holding penalties nearly costed the unit big-time.

If the Broncos are going to come away with a win Saturday night, establishing the run game is going to be key in the second half. The Broncos are 0-4 in games in which Keenum has attempted more than 40 pass attempts and Denver is certainly heading in that direction so far.

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