CLEVELAND, Ohio – There are things to second guess.
There was a missed personal foul/targeting foul by the officials on the hit on Rashard Higgins that probably cost the Browns a TD.
There were the usual frustrating defensive breakdowns that drive Browns fans crazy.
But what a year!
I kept thinking that after the Browns lost 22-17 to Kansas City in the second round of the playoffs Sunday.
Veteran fans of Cleveland sports teams know you can take nothing for granted when it comes to assuming your team will be playing at a high level again next year.
But unless something unforeseen happens, the Browns should be a playoff team next year. And yes, it’s very possible to think the best is yet to come.
That is something to remember as we think about how the Browns had a big chance to win this game, especially when all-universe QB Patrick Mahomes left the game with 7:27 left in the third quarter due to a concussion.
At that point, KC had a 19-10 lead.
Suddenly, the Browns had real hope of an upset.
But KC backup QB Chad Henne did a solid job. The Browns offense never could find its usual big-play personality. They just didn’t have enough to beat the defending Super Bowl champions in Kansas City.
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku catches a first down pass in the first half defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed dives and misses a pass defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed during their AFC Divisional Playoff game, January 17, 2021, at Arrowhead Stadium. John Kuntz, cleveland.com
LOOKING FOR AN IDENTITY
There was some strange play-calling by coach Kevin Stefanski, especially in the first half.
As in Kareem Hunt didn’t touch the ball once in the first half.
Not once. Not one running play. Not one pass in his direction.
Here was Hunt making his return to KC. Hunt has been running with a purpose all year, but especially in the last two games.
In the second half, Hunt carried the ball six times for 32 yards. He caught a pass for 2 yards. He also scored on a 3-yard TD run.
Nick Chubb had a miserable first half with 12 yards on five carries. He also dropped two passes.
In the second half, Chubb gained 57 yards on eight carries.
The two running backs carried the ball 19 times (91 yards) compared to Mayfield throwing 37 passes.
Yes, the Browns thought they’d have to score a lot of points – perhaps as many as 40 – to win this game. But they seemed to lose faith in their running game.
“Baker Mayfield fought like he always does,” said Stefanski. “But I didn’t put him in enough good spots.”
THE AWFUL CALL
Late in the first half, Higgins caught a 27-yard pass. He could see the goal line. He tried to reach out with the ball as he flung his body toward the end zone.
KC safety Daniel Sorenson hit Higgins, knocking the ball loose. It rolled out of the end zone.
The NFL has a dumb rule that gives the defense the ball on a touchback. OK, bad rule. But it is the rule.
But why did Higgins fumble?
Because Sorensen nearly knocked his head off with a helmet-to-helmet hit.
This isn’t simply a homer view. The broadcasting crew led by Tony Romo said it was targeting. The official they used as an expert said it was an illegal hit.
No flag was thrown. Rules don’t allow that play to be challenged.
A penalty would have set the Browns up for a TD right before the half, cutting the lead to 16-10.
Instead, they went into the locker room down 16-3.
“Rashard Higgins is a warrior,” said Stefanski. “He’s battled all season. I’ll never doubt that kid’s effort. It was an unfortunate play. I’m never going to doubt him.”
Cleveland Browns fans react to the fumble by Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins in the first half during their AFC Divisional Playoff game, January 17, 2021, at Arrowhead Stadium. John Kuntz, cleveland.com
RUNNING OUT OF BIG FINISHES
Stefanski had an uneven game. Besides play-calling, the Browns blew a pair of timeouts in the second half.
The first was on a challenge when it was obvious Kansas City’s Tyreek Hill had caught the ball. The second was when the offense couldn’t get lined up right, and Mayfield had to call a timeout to avoid a penalty.
But I’m not going to dwell on the negatives – other than that Browns fans could taste a chance to face Buffalo next week in what amounts to the NFL’s Final Four.
The Browns were one of the best stories in football, going from the chaos of 6-10 to an 11-5 record under Stefanski in his rookie season.
Mayfield proved he can be a QB who can take his team into the playoffs and beat Pittsburgh in back-to-back games.
The Browns overcame a lot of injuries. They ended this game with Blake Hance at left tackle. He replaced Kendall Lamm, who replaced starter Jedrick Wills Jr.
I loved this season. I loved the character shown by the team. I loved how they stayed away from drama and the needless dumb things the Browns have done in the past.
Disappointed by the loss in KC?
Absolutely.
But right now, I can’t wait for next year as the Andrew Berry front office has the offseason to bolster the defense.
“Right now, it stings,” said Stefanski. “We came here to win and didn’t get it done. Our charge is to be the last team standing.”
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January 18, 2021 at 09:12AM
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What a ride! Browns lose a tough one, but I loved this team and this season – Terry Pluto - cleveland.com
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