Cleveland Browns (3-11) – Kansas City Chiefs (13-1): 7-21
The defenses have spoken between the Browns and Chiefs. And in the end, it's the team that made the most mistakes that loses. Cleveland was weighed down by a struggling Jameis Winston (16/25, 146 yards, 3 Int). Often under pressure (5 sacks conceded), he mainly threw 3 interceptions for no passing touchdowns.
The Browns defense wasn't ridiculous, but against a decisive Chiefs attack, despite the numerous punts, it was difficult to compete.
On the Kansas City side, it was especially the defense that shone, notably Trent McDuffie with 4 tackles and an interception. In attack, Patrick Mahomes (19/38, 159 yards, 2 TDs) did the job, without really forcing. We still note some passing failures that will need to be corrected to hope to go far in the playoffs. As long as you don't get hurt. He came off at the end of the match with ankle pain.
Punts and balls
It’s off to a bad start for the Chiefs… Well, almost. After an entry punt from Kansas City, Samaje Perrine manages to recover a fumble from the Cleveland returner to place his team 20 yards from the end zone. Juju Smith-Schuster concludes with a 7-yard reception (7-0).
Afterwards ? Both teams multiply the punts. In the middle of these exchanges, Jameis Winston attempts a deep pass but is intercepted in the paint by Bryan Cook. Except the Chiefs don't benefit from it.
You have to wait until halftime approaches to see points again. Patrick Mahomes pushes and finds Noah Gray for six additional points (14-0).
The Browns are sinking
Returning from the locker room, Jameis Winston was once again intercepted in a real commotion by Nick Bolton, after a drop from Nick Chubb. Xavier Worthy concludes immediately with a 21-yard screen pass (21-0).
The nightmare continues just behind for the Browns. In the middle of the race, Nick Chubb releases the ball. He is covered by Drue Tranquill. But that doesn't do anything for Kansas City. The defensive show continues with a multitude of punts.
At the end of the third quarter, Jerome Ford exploded on a 62-yard run and finally gave Cleveland the first touchdown (21-7). And then the punts start again. Until yet another interception by Winston at the start of the fourth quarter. This time, it's Trent McDuffie who catches the ball in the end zone.
At the end of the game, the Chiefs let the clock run down and even took advantage of an easy interception sent by Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who came to replace Winston, to close this match.
