Cleveland Browns secondary continues to get their hands on opponents' passes | Takeaways

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — There's one area of the Browns which is going to be disappointed to see the preseason come to an end. That is, unless it's merely a precursor to the regular season.

The Browns secondary ended the preseason with seven interceptions in four games. That includes three picks for them during Saturday's 33-32 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the preseason finale.

"They always say the first turnover is the hardest," said safety Juan Thornhill, who started Saturday's surge with a 34-yard pick six in the first quarter. "Once you get one, you can expect maybe two, three more. That’s what happened tonight."

For Thornhill, it was a extra special treat, even if it was just preseason. The safety was back in the stadium he called home for the first four years in the NFL, when he won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs.

Thornhill capped his return by doing the "tomahawk chop" in the end zone as part of his celebration.

"It definitely was pre-planned," Thornhill said. "I told everybody this morning that I was going to get a pick six and I was going to run into the end zone and do the chop. And it happened. So crazy."

That was one of two pick sixes for the Browns in the first half Saturday. Cornerback Caleb Biggers also had one, when he snatched a ball which bounced off the hands of tight end Matt Bushman and returned it 27 yards for a 29-16 halftime lead.

In between those two, safety Rodney McLeod and cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. combined to get a third interception. Emerson hit receiver Cornell Powell as the ball got to him, and McLeod was able to corral it and return it to the Kansas City 16 to set up a Browns TD.

The three picks against the Chiefs matches the number undrafted free agent Ronnie Hickman has secured this preseason. Hickman picked off a pair in the second preseason game against the Washington Commanders, then added one in the third game at the Philadelphia Eagles.

"Honestly, it started weeks ago with the young rookie Rocket (Hickman) setting the tempo for us," McLeod said "We were up again today. We wanted to continue and keep that same energy throughout. Turnovers is a huge emphasis for us defensively, especially since (defensive coordinator) Jim (Schwartz) has come into the building. If we do that a lot, we give our offense a great chance."

Bubba Bolden, who has since been waived with an injury designation, also had an interception. His came in the Hall of Fame Game against the New York Jets which secured the Browns' only preseason win.

Preseason debut for Amari Cooper shakes the rust off

Receiver Amari Cooper made his first appearance in a game against another opponent since last season's finale at Pittsburgh. That game was one of five consecutive to end the season where he was fighting a core muscle injury that ultimately led to surgery in February.

The veteran hadn't played in any of the Browns' first three preseason games, although he did participate in both joint practices against the Philadelphia Eagles a week prior. Still, the quarter of work — including a 53-yard catch — were reasons to come away feeling good.

"For me, I haven't played in a game in almost a year now," Cooper said afterwards. "That happens every year. Just to get your feet back wet and get back out there and going against other starters from other teams, I think it's a good opportunity for us to do it before we actually play a real game."

Cooper was targeted three times over the course of his one quarter on the field.

Tony Fields II shakes off concussion scare to continue strong preseason

Tony Fields II was feared to have sustained a concussion when he walked to the locker room late in the first half Saturday. However, that was not the case, allowing the third-year linebacker to return to action.

Once on the field, Fields continued to do what he's done all preseason: make tackles, finishing the game with 11 combined tackles, including five solo stops. The West Virginia product totaled a team-high 24 combined tackles and 14 solo stops in the preseason.

A healthy Fields is going to matter considering the uncertainly now at linebacker with Jordan Kunaszyk having left Saturday's game with a knee injury. Anthony Walker Jr. and Sione Takitaki both did not play in any of the preseason games as they recover from season-ending injuries from a year ago, although both should be ready for the season opener.

Quick takeaways: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the Browns return game and running back

• Dorian Thompson-Robinson was the first to acknowledge his first performance in his new role as backup quarterback wasn't his best one. He finished 7-of-12 passing for 92 yards and was the only Browns quarterback not to lead at least one scoring drive Saturday. Of course, in the Browns' perfect world, the next time the fifth-round pick out of UCLA actually plays meaningful snaps is mopping up late in a blowout.

• It looks like Donovan Peoples-Jones will once again be called upon to handle the punt returns for the Browns with Jakeem Grant Sr. now injured. Then again, the fourth-year receiver wasn't too bad in that role as last season went along, including being AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 13 against the Houston Texans. As for the kickoff returns, the Browns are probably hopeful Jerome Ford, who was solid in that role a year ago, recovers fully soon from his hamstring injury that has lingered the last three weeks. Otherwise, is it Demetric Felton Jr.'s pathway to the final 53-man roster?

• Speaking of Ford and Felton, the Browns' running back situation remains cloudy at best behind Nick Chubb, who hasn't played this preseason. With Forda injured, Jordan Wilkins seemed like the answer. However, two botched handoffs and just one 5-yard carry doesn't look confidence-boosting. After that, it's Felton or John Kelly Jr. as likely options.

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on Twitter at @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns secondary keeps on picking off preseason passes: Takeaways