The Browns have plenty of questions heading into a Week 6 showdown against the Denver Broncos.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns snapped a road losing streak in Baltimore last weekend, beating Joe Flacco's Ravens for just the second time.
Wins against the Ravens are always hard to come by. But things won't get any easier on Sunday when the undefeated Denver Broncos come to FirstEnergy Stadium.
At 5-0, the Broncos used a stifling defense to escape with a road win, 16-10, against the Oakland Raiders last Sunday. A lethal offense since Peyton Manning's arrival, the win against Oakland highlighted a transformation this season for the Broncos.
It's been about defense in Denver as the fast, aggressive and opportunistic defense is allowing 15.8 points per game. In the most recent win, Manning struggled, tossing two interceptions while failing to throw a TD pass for the second time this season.
As per usual, even after an impressive win last week, there are a number of questions heading into Week 6 and they will determine whether the Browns can make it two straight wins.
Here are four burning questions for today's game:
Can the Browns protect Josh McCown?
Very little this year has followed the expected script for the Browns. They were expected to be a run-first, ball-control offense. The defensive unit, which has seen numerous players added over the last few years, was supposed to be the team's backbone.
But the Browns' success against Denver, and for the rest of the season, hinges on McCown, the reigning AFC Offensive Player of the Week.
Behind the 36-year-old quarterback, who was supposed to serve as a game manager, the Browns have essentially abandoned the rushing attack, putting the offense in the quarterback's hands. Only five teams have more passing attempts and passing yards per game than the Browns.
The running game, ranked 28th, hasn't been effective and that unlikely to change even with Robert Turbin expected to make his debut. The defense, which yapped all off-season about its greatness, is allowing 400 yards per game and has held one opponent, Tennessee, under 27 points.
McCown, playing as well as any quarterback, will be tested in a way he hasn't since Week 1 against the New York Jets.
In order to build off last week's record-setting performance, he will need plenty of help from his offensive line.
Denver boasts the league's best defense and it all starts with an unrelenting pass rush. Behind the duo of Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, who is out Sunday, the Broncos have recorded an NFL-high 22 sacks.
Since returning from a concussion, the best defense McCown has faced statistically is San Diego, but the Chargers were decimated with injuries. Tossing for more than 400 yards is impressive, it can't be taken away, but the Broncos aren't the Ravens.
Can the Browns prevent Denver from winning one-on-one matchups?
Members of the defense pointed out that they made stops when necessary last week against Baltimore. Who knew giving up three points, which tied the game and ultimately led to overtime, was considered a "stop?"
Then in overtime, as the Ravens went three-and-out, their two best playmakers were on the sidelines watching. Without Steve Smith and Justin Forsett, there wasn't a player capable of winning in a one-on-one situation against the Browns' press coverage. It killed any chance of Flacco completing a pass, which led to great field position and the game winning field goal.
A similar thing happened earlier this year against the Tennessee Titans, the only other game when the Browns defense actually looked respectable at times. With little talent at wideout, rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota was forced to hold the ball, hoping for his receivers to break free, something that didn't happen.
Because of their talented wideouts, the Jets didn't have the same problem as Tennessee or Baltimore. Neither did the depleted San Diego Chargers or Raiders.
It doesn't appear the Broncos will either.
Not only does the offense use its share of pick plays and screens, but Demaryius Thomas is one of the most gifted receivers in the league and Emmanuel Sanders' quickness and shiftiness make him a difficult cover. The Browns' secondary will receive a real test Sunday. It won't be Kamar Aiken, Marlon Brown and Nick Boyle.
Can the defensive backs back up the big talk and win one-on-one matchups once again?
Will former Browns safety T.J. Ward help slow down Gary Barnidge?
Coming into this season, it was hard to envision any pass catcher emerging as an offensive force. But "Big Play Barnidge" has earned that nickname.
In the midst of a breakout season, Barnidge has hauled in a team-high 24 catches for 374 yards and three touchdowns. Of his 24 catches, 16 have led to a first down.
In the last three games, coinciding with McCown's return from a concussion, Barnidge has 20 catches for 319 yards and three touchdowns, including two highlight-reel grabs at critical moments.
This weekend, Barnidge will be a marked man, appearing near the top of the Denver scouting report. When he goes over the middle, former Browns safety T.J. Ward will be lurking, likely looking to send a message to the team that didn't want him.
Known more for his hard hits than coverage ability, Ward has helped the Denver defense since his return from suspension. It's not just him when it comes to slowing down opposing tight ends. It's been a team effort, with the help of speedy linebackers Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan.
Through five games, opposing tight ends have hauled in 19 catches for 284 yards against the Broncos. As a unit, the Broncos have yet to allow a touchdown to the tight end position.
Will the Browns be able to pressure Manning?
Despite the glowing praise for Manning coming out of Berea, it's clear the future Hall-of-Famer isn't the same quarterback. His arm strength continues to dwindle, he doesn't look as comfortable without former offensive coordinator Adam Gase and his rushing attack is ranked 30th, making Manning responsible for the offensive success.
In 2014, Manning was one of the least pressured QB's, but his accuracy dipped well below league average when pressured, according to Pro Football Focus. The same thing is happening this year. Ryan Clady's injury before the regular season caused the line to shuffle and Manning has already been sacked 12 times as a result, including twice last week against Oakland, a defense ranked in the bottom half of the league in sacks.
If given time, Manning can still use his intelligence, accuracy and timing to move the offense through the air. But the key to disrupting the Broncos' aerial assault is pressuring Manning or disrupting the timing by being physical with the receivers on the outside.
The Browns' pass rush has been maddeningly inconsistent. The numbers don't look bad. Cleveland has 10 sacks on the season. Seven of those, however, came against Mariota and the Titans in one game.
Even last week, as Flacco was forced to hold the ball longer than usual, he was only brought down behind the line once. Using Paul Kruger in pass coverage has been part of the problem. The struggles in the secondary has also had an impact.
Defensive coordinator Jim O'Neill needs to change something this weekend otherwise Manning could do what so many other QB's have done against the Browns defense.