Cleveland, Ohio - In Week Seven of the 2021 NFL season, the Cleveland Browns fought through the absence of their star quarterback to grind out a tough win at home against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.

The Browns beat the Broncos 17-14 to avoid a three-game skid while handing Denver a four-game losing streak of their own.

Cleveland came into this game on short rest, which was made even more difficult by the fact that they had to play without their star quarterback Baker Mayfield (26), who suffered a shoulder injury just this past Sunday.

Mayfield’s backup Case Keenum got the start and helped his team jump out to a 10-0 lead at the half.

While their defense was strong, the Browns also had the good fortune of facing a struggling Denver offense.

The Broncos finally got something going in the third quarter with a touchdown, but Cleveland answered back to pad their lead at 17-7.

Denver did manage to score again late in the fourth quarter, but the Browns defense tightened up to hold off the Broncos for the win.

While Keenum managed the offensive game plan, it was running back D'Ernest Johnson, making his first start of the year, who quite literally carried the load for the Browns.

He gained nearly as many yards as Keenum threw, but with his performance on the ground, Cleveland was able to take control of the clock with nearly a 14-minute advantage.

Once Johnson opened the game with a quick touchdown rush, he got into an unshakeable groove for the rest of the night.

He finished the game with 22 carries for 146 yards and a touchdown.

The Browns did well in this game without Mayfield, holding on for a gritty, well-played win.

They showed that they can indeed step up while he’s away and hold their own against an opponent.

The Browns do have a bye week up next, so Mayfield can have some extra time to rest. But just in case he’s not back in time, this game could give Cleveland enough confidence when they face a very familiar foe in two weeks.

On October 31, the Browns (4-3) are at home to take on the Steelers (3-3), while the Broncos (3-4) are back at home as well to face the Washington Football Team (2-4).