Broncos’ surging defense gets three more takeaways in 29-12 win over Browns

DENVER — Russell Wilson accounted for two touchdowns and Denver’s defense produced three more takeaways and a safety in the Broncos’ 29-12 win over the injury-riddled Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

With their fifth consecutive victory, the Broncos (6-5) moved above .500 for the first time under coach Sean Payton.

The Browns (7-4) missed out on a chance to match their best start since 1999 and they lost several starters to injury, including rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (head) in his first road start. He was hit hard by edge rusher Baron Browning just as he released a pass, drawing a late flag although the hit appeared legal.

The Broncos sacked his backup, P.J. Walker four times, once in the end zone for a safety.

Already without star cornerback Denzel Ward, who was inactive with a shoulder injury, the Browns saw several key players get hurt, including Myles Garrett (hand/wrist), Amari Cooper (rib) and Jordan Elliott (ankle).

Although the Browns sport a historically stout defense, the story on Sunday was about Denver’s surging defense, which has now collected a whopping 15 takeaways in the Broncos’ last four games — their best four-game stretch since 1989.

Wilson threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Adam Trautman after defensive tackle D.J. Jones recovered a fumbled reverse at the Cleveland 20-yard line early in the fourth quarter, pushing the Broncos’ lead to 24-12.

Mike Purcell and Alex Singleton also recovered fumbles for Denver, which closed the scoring when Zach Allen tackled Walker in the end zone with 2:17 remaining.

Singleton smothered a loose ball after P.J. Locke, filling in for suspended safety Kareem Jackson, strip-sacked Walker at midfield earlier in the fourth quarter. That led to a 34-yard field goal from Wil Lutz that made it 27-12.

Browning’s hit on…