One of the two quarterbacks who will take the field Sunday when the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns face off has put up gaudy statistics so far this year, and it isn't Peyton Manning. Through the first five weeks of the season, veteran journeyman Josh McCown has outplayed Manning, and frankly, it isn't all that close.
Broncos vs. Browns 2015 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Josh McCown has outplayed Peyton Manning so far this season, which is exactly what we all thought would happen, right?
McCown has completed 67.8 percent of his passes this season for 1,203 yards with six touchdowns and one interception. He shined in Cleveland's overtime win against the Baltimore Ravens last week, completing 36 of 51 passes for a Browns regular-season record 457 yards and two touchdown passes. McCown's most impressive drive came with 5:56 remaining in the fourth quarter, when he led the Browns into the Ravens' end zone from their own 20-yard line in just six plays. The capper was a 22-yard touchdown pass to running back Isaiah Crowell.
The 36-year-old McCown will face a much stiffer challenge against the Broncos' top-ranked defense. Denver is surrendering the fewest yards per game and has forced a league-leading 14 turnovers as well. The Broncos' defense carried them to victory in Week 5 against the Oakland Raiders when Chris Harris Jr. returned an interception 74 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
But the stout Denver pass rush may be weakened Sunday, as DeMarcus Ware will likely miss the contest with a back injury. He was carted off the field in the second quarter against the Raiders last week.
Even without Ware, the odds are probably against McCown lighting up the scoreboard against the Broncos Sunday. Or at least, the Broncos better hope that’s the case, considering Manning alone doesn’t appear equipped to lead them to victory.
Manning, 39, has shown major signs of decline through five games this season, completing 63.5 percent of his passes for 1,234 yards with six touchdowns and seven interceptions. This is a continuation of how Manning finished the 2014 campaign, throwing four touchdown passes, six interceptions and averaging a 79.98 quarterback rating over the final five weeks of the season. In the Broncos’ Divisional Round loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Manning went 26-of-46 passing for 211 yards with just one touchdown.
Frankly, Manning has been on borrowed time ever since he underwent three neck operations in 2010 and 2011. It’s remarkable how well he was able to perform in his first three seasons in Denver, averaging 44 touchdown passes and a 107.8 quarterback rating.
But now that Manning is on the back nine, the Broncos have had to win in different fashion. And so far, they have. They haven't bulldozed opponents like the undefeated New England Patriots, but as the cliche goes, a win is a win.
The Browns are coming off one of their most exciting wins in recent memory, but they have quite a test in front of them Sunday. The Broncos are hoping to prove defense can win in the regular season, and so far they are.
It’s strange to think of a Manning-led team in that context, but that’s the situation the Broncos are in. They may not be the dominant offensive club they once were, but the final results this season have been just as good.
How to Watch
When: 1 p.m. ET
Where: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland
TV: CBS
Commentators: Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts, Evan Washburn
Online: NFL Game Pass
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