By ARNIE STAPLETON, AP Pro Football Writer

DENVER

Sean Payton admitted that he was not familiar with the term “Scorigami”.

The Denver Broncos achieved a final score that has never been witnessed in the history of NFL. This happened on Sunday when they dominated the Cleveland Browns with a resounding 29-12 victory, extending their winning streak to five games.

This was their grittiest win yet and the Browns (7-4), who were already without quarterback Deshaun Watson and cornerback Denzel Ward, limped out of Denver with several more worrisome injuries.

Myles Garrett, a key player on defense, exited Empower Field with his left shoulder in a sling and is set to undergo an MRI on Monday. In his first away game, rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson suffered a head injury and had to leave the field. Amari Cooper (rib) and Jordan Elliott (ankle) were also unable to complete the game.

“I have overcome challenges that would normally have prevented me from playing,” stated Garrett. “I am determined to keep pushing through and make decisions that benefit both the team and myself. We have great expectations for this season and what we can accomplish. I refuse to let anything like this hinder our progress.”

After the Broncos came out relatively unharmed, Payton found himself fielding inquiries about the unusual final score. He was amazed that this was the first time in the league’s 1920 history that a game had ended in such a manner.

He expressed disbelief, “Are you saying that there has never been a score of 29-12?”

Never.

He was promptly reminded of the 70-20 defeat at Miami in Week 3, just as before.

The postgame interview room was filled with laughter and Payton himself couldn’t help but crack a small smile.

He expressed his preference for the second Scorigami.

After a rough 1-5 start, the Broncos (6-5) have bounced back and are now in the running for the AFC playoffs with a five-game winning streak, their first since their 7-0 start in 2015 when they last made it to the playoffs.

“I have always had faith in our football team and our potential for success,” stated Russell Wilson following a lackluster but fulfilling showing, completing 13 out of 22 passes for 134 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions.

Wilson stated that they are beginning to understand the necessary components for achieving victory.

Featuring a tough, determined offense rather than a flashy one.

With a defense that is causing turnovers at an unprecedented pace.

On Sunday, the Broncos recovered three fumbles, bringing their total takeaways to 15 in the past four games. This is their strongest streak since 1989.

Wilson stated that the team took advantage of many opportunities and converted two of them into 10 points, leading to a decisive victory for the Broncos.

The Broncos gained 169 yards on the ground and successfully scored three times while in the red zone against the top-ranked defense in the league.

Garrett expressed that the team did not have their usual dominance in the front, as he only had two tackles. He also noted some weaknesses in their run game.

The Browns were unable to replicate their strongest start since 1999, and they may now need to rely on newly acquired experienced quarterback Joe Flacco to lead their offense.

During the second half, Thompson-Robinson was forced to exit the game after being struck by edge rusher Baron Browning while releasing a pass. Although the hit seemed legal, a penalty was still called. The Denver Broncos managed to sack his replacement, P.J. Walker, four times, with one of those sacks occurring in the end zone and resulting in a safety.

The Browns’ downfall began when Thompson-Robinson made his first ever TD pass, a 2-yard throw to tight end Harrison Bryant, in the third quarter. However, Cooper failed to catch the 2-point pass that could have tied the game, resulting in the Browns being behind 14-12.

Following a successful field goal from Wil Lutz, the score was 17-12. In the fourth quarter, defensive tackle D.J. Jones recovered a fumbled reverse at the Cleveland 20-yard line. Quarterback Wilson then threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Adam Trautman, bringing the score to 24-12.

Mike Purcell and Alex Singleton both also managed to recover fumbles for the Denver team. They were able to secure a final score when Zach Allen tackled Walker in the end zone with 2:17 left on the clock.

In the fourth quarter, Singleton recovered a fumble caused by P.J. Locke, who was filling in for suspended safety Kareem Jackson. This turnover resulted in a field goal, bringing the score to 27-12.

LATE FLAG

Thompson-Robinson was struck while attempting to throw a pass on third-and-12 from his team’s 23-yard line. In an effort to evade multiple defenders, Thompson-Robinson was near his own end zone when he released the ball and was hit by Browning.

While Thompson-Robinson was down on the field, back judge Greg Steed approached him and issued a delayed penalty for roughing the passer. This resulted in Cleveland’s punt team returning to the sideline.

GROUND GAME

The Broncos had only scored one rushing touchdown this season, but they managed to add two more in the first half of the game. Samaje Perine ran for 3 yards and Wilson kept the ball for a 2-yard touchdown, giving Denver a 14-0 lead. Dustin Hopkins kicked two field goals for Washington, closing the gap to 14-6 at halftime.

UP NEXT

The Cleveland Browns will be facing the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. They will be staying in Los Angeles for the week and will be practicing at UCLA, which is where Thompson-Robinson attended college.

The Broncos will face off against Houston this Sunday in a game between two AFC teams vying for a spot in the playoffs.

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Source: wralsportsfan.com