Browns First-Round Pick Put on Notice After Rough Broncos Outing

Cornerback Greg Newsome II had a rough game against the Denver Broncos, and Cleveland Browns fans booed him after the loss.

Newsome gave Pro Football Focus a 43.7 overall grade and a 34.1 coverage grade. With Denzel Ward, Newsome saw more time on the outside and the Broncos were happy to pursue their former first-round pick. He was targeted seven times on the season, allowing four catches for 74 yards, per PFF. Newsom was also called for a passing penalty. Usually, outspoken lawyers have been criticized on social media.

“Greg Newsome cracked this game,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). Others said Newsom had doubts about his role last year and moved him inside to play the primary corner.

Another fan wrote, “Greg Newsom can never complain about sitting in the slot corner again.” “There’s a 31-yard catch and a 43-yard penalty per carry.”

Newsome also took on the role of player carrying a boombox when the Browns took the field. The comments under the post on the Browns’ official Instagram page were cruel. “If only Greg Newsom could play DB like he could carry a music box,” read one comment.

Newsome went on the record after a 29-12 loss to the Broncos. Greg Newsome wasn’t worried about the Broncos’ pressure.

Newsome and the Browns’ defense have performed, notably earning a reputation as one of the best units in the NFL. Newsom said he doesn’t mind. “I think there’s more pressure that we put on ourselves because we know what we can do, but we don’t put pressure on ourselves just because we’re first,” Newsom said Monday, Nov. 20. “It’s clear that if we keep doing what we’re doing and aim high as players, we can stay there. So we’re not worried about being number one. We put pressure on ourselves to go out and perform because playing at a high level can help us win football games.”

It’s unclear when Ward will return. Ward was injured on November 19 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He missed minimal time during the game, but the team will determine his status going forward, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “The Browns are aware of the extent of Ward’s labrum injury. Of course, they hope he won’t be out long,” Cabot said on Nov. 24. Browns star Myles Garrett is also dealing with a shoulder injury.

The Browns defense allowed 294 total yards against the Broncos, most of which came on the ground (169 yards). Some of the relegations were on the road in Denver, but so were the injuries. Veteran safety Rodney McLeod is out for the season with a bicep injury suffered before the game and superstar Myles Garrett suffered a shoulder injury.

Garrett left after the game shirtless and in a sling. Still, the Browns are confident they’re in a good place.

“Myles has some issues with his shoulder, but I feel good about where he’s going to be,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday, Nov. 27. Garrett is half a sack behind the league leader and has 13 on the season.