Chiefs vs. Browns game recap: Everything we know
A whirlwind affair of high drama and even higher stakes, the Chiefs escaped with their first win of the postseason against the Browns. A third-quarter injury to Patrick Mahomes took the life out of Kansas City in crunch time, but keen play by backup Chad Henne helped the team keep their lead and win the game.
Speculation about the AFC title game will hinge on Mahomes’ availability for the matchup. After the Bills’ convincing win against Baltimore yesterday, the game should be a toss-up.
Final Score: Chiefs 22 Browns 17
AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann
This game ended up closer than most predicted, but until the injury to Mahomes, Kansas City looked poised to make it a blowout. The Chiefs did not trail Cleveland at any point, and despite all the adversity they had to overcome looked like the dominant team throughout. Running back duo Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt didn't dominate Kansas City's defense, and the Browns' receivers didn't manage to get separation to make the big plays. Baker Mayfield was held to just 204 yards and threw an interception to Tyrann Mathieu that helped the Chiefs eat up some crucial clock in the middle quarters.
Keys to the game
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Backup bailout
With injuries abounding this week, even after the bye, Kansas City relied on several backups to step in and fill shoes in a big game. Mecole Hardman quietly put together a convincing performance in Sammy Watkins' absence, and Chad Henne looked more than capable as the backup in the second half. Next week brings more elimination football, and the Chiefs will need to get some guys back for the biggest game of the season so far. One win away from another Super Bowl berth, things are starting to get interesting with the Chiefs' depth players.
Clutch football late
The final drive of this game was a real masterpiece and could become the defining moment of Chad Henne's career. With the season on the line, Henne successfully put the team on his back and delivered the win, even if the outlook for next week's game is still in question. For their part, the defense played well in crunch time too. On the drive before Henne's last stand, the Chiefs defense came up with three huge stops in a row to force Cleveland to punt with about three minutes remaining and one timeout.
Limit turnovers
An ill-advised arm punt by Chad Henne went down as the Chiefs' only turnover, but that play notwithstanding their ability to keep possessions alive kept them in the lead for the duration of the ball game. Kansas City did not punt the ball in this game and managed to get into field goal range on every drive of the game.
It was over when...
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The consequential play of this game was a 12-yard run by Chad Henne to set up fourth and inches with about 90 seconds remaining in the fourth. Out of timeouts, Cleveland couldn't stop the clock after the next play resulted in a short completion to Tyreek Hill to put the game on ice. For his part, Henne lived up to the moment in this game, especially on the last drive.
3 Stars of the game
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L'Jarius Sneed
The rookie from Louisiana Tech continues to be a key contributor for the Chiefs defense and a menace in both coverage and rushing the passer. He recorded Kansas City's only sack this week and seems to have found a niche as a subpackage blitzer. A smart run defender as well, Sneed helped bottle up the Browns' vaunted rushing attack with six tackles on the day.
Tyrann Mathieu
Always a factor on defense is Tyrann Mathieu, who came up with a clutch interception that helped Kansas City stay in the driver's seat in the middle of the game. Mathieu brings an edge to the Chiefs defense that seems to keep the momentum in their favor despite all odds. In a game that demanded the defense step up and get a big stop, Mathieu answered the call with clutch plays throughout.
Travis Kelce
Following an absolutely historic season, Kelce looks ready for more in these playoffs. Perhaps the league's best hype man, the tight end continues to prove he can help put the team on his back even with a backup throwing him the ball. With another 100-yard game with a touchdown, this game was won in large part due to his contributions.
What's next?
AP Photo/Adrian Kraus
Kansas City will take on the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium next week. The matchup will see one team achieve a Super Bowl berth against either the Packers or the winner of Bucs vs. Saints. All eyes will be on Patrick Mahomes and his status for the AFC title game after he was placed in concussion protocol, but the early word from Andy Reid is good.
