3 takeaways from the Browns’ 41-32 loss to the Broncos

Jerry Jeudy returns to Denver

WR Jerry Jeudy knew his return to Denver for the first time would bring different emotions than any other game this season. It was the first time he faced his former team after the Browns acquired Jeudy in a trade with the Broncos in March 2024.

“High emotions,” Jeudy said. “Like I said, you always want to beat the team you used to play for, but we couldn’t do it. We have to find a way to finish, find a way to win.”

Jeudy began his NFL career in Denver after the Broncos drafted him in the first round with the 15th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Broncos and developed as a receiver.

After being traded to the Browns, Jeudy began to establish himself as a top target in their receiving corps. After WR Amari Cooper was traded on October 15, Jeudy took on an even more important role. Entering Week 13, he was the top target among Browns receivers.

On Monday Night Football, Jeudy once again demonstrated his increased role. He made his presence known early in the first half on the first offensive play. Jeudy caught a pass from Winston and broke through on reception for 44 yards. He totaled 97 yards on five receptions in the first half alone. He then returned his longest pass of the game in the third quarter when he caught a 70-yard reception on a deep ball from Winston and ran into the end zone for a touchdown.

“He’s phenomenal,” Winston said of Jeudy. “When we started this week, he knew what time it was. He was hungry, he was preparing. He was ready to come back here and show up and show up, and he did.”

Stefanski said their plan at the start of the game was to try to get Jeudy open as the game progressed. He thought their plan was sound and said Jeudy executed the plan well to get open and make plays.

“He’s a good football player,” Stefanski said. “We tried to find ways to get him the ball. As we’ve seen, when Jerry is able to line up anywhere, he’s very, very hard to defend after the catch, and I think that really speaks to his intelligence.”

This was Jeudy’s fifth straight game with 70 or more receiving yards. Jeudy set career highs in receiving yards and receptions, finishing the game with nine receptions for 235 receiving yards and a touchdown. His 235 receiving yards were the fourth-most by a Browns in a single game and he joined WR Josh Gordon (twice) and WR Amari Cooper as the only Browns to surpass 200 receiving yards in a game.

Jeudy’s performance against the Broncos was his second 100-yard game of the season and seventh of his career. He joined Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase (264) as the only players to reach 200 receiving yards in a game in 2024. Jeudy leads the Browns with 54 receptions for 880 yards this season.

But Jeudy also made history at the league level. His 235 receiving yards are also the most in NFL history by a player in a game against his former team, Jeudy. He broke Terrell Owens’ record of 213 yards, which he set against the 49ers in 2008.

“As far as his personal success, I think he’s done great,” WR Elijah Moore said. “To reach his career peak against his old team – look at what he does now when used properly. He went in the first round for a reason. I’ve watched him since I was little and played with him since I was little.” was small, he’s nice.