Jameis Winston threw three interceptions, two returned for touchdowns, and Jerry Jeudy set an NFL record for receiving yards against a former team as the Broncos held on late for a 41-32 win over the visiting Browns at Empower Field at Mile High on Monday Night Football.
The third of Winston's three interceptions came in the closing minutes in the end zone as the Browns were down two scores. But it's the first two that made the difference in the game as both were returned for defensive touchdowns by Denver.
The first one came in the first quarter by linebacker Nik Bonitto and was returned 71 yards for a 21-10 Broncos lead.
The second came in the fourth quarter by Ja'Quan McMillian and was returned 46 yards for a 41-32 score with just 1:46 left in the game.
Winston finished the game 34-of-58 for 497 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. He was also sacked three times by the Broncos' top-3 defense.
On the other side, Bo Nix matched Winston just about punch-for-punch. Nix went 18-for-35 for 294 yards with one touchdown and two picks.
But the storyline entering the game was unquestionably the return of Browns wideout Jerry Jeudy to Empower Field. Jeudy was drafted by the Broncos in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft at No. 15 overall.
After three seasons of subpar play, Jeudy was dealt to the Browns in the offseason. Monday night was his first trip back since the trade, and he showed the Denver faithful just how much he's improved as a player.
Jeudy set an NFL record for receiving yards against a former team with 235 on just nine catches. He added a touchdown early in the third quarter on a 70-yard bomb.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide pass catcher beat the old record of 213 yards by Terrell Owens with the Cowboys against the 49ers in 2008 and 211 yards by Irving Fryar against the Patriots in 1994.
Next up for the Browns are the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
