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CLEVELAND, Ohio – There are things to guess.
There was an official missed personal foul / targeting foul instantly on Rashard Higgins which likely cost the Browns a TD.
There were the usual frustrating defensive failures that drive Browns fans crazy.
But what a year!
I kept thinking after the Browns lost 22-17 to Kansas City in the second round of the playoffs on Sunday.
Seasoned fans of Cleveland sports teams know that you can’t take anything for granted when it comes to assuming your team will perform at a high level again next year.
But unless something unforeseen happens, the Browns should be a playoff team next year. And yes, it is very possible to think that the best is yet to come.
That’s something to remember as we reflect on how the Browns had a great chance to win this game, especially when quarterback Patrick Mahomes left the game with 7:27 left in the third quarter in due to a concussion.
At that point, KC had a 19-10 lead.
Suddenly, the Browns had a real hope of upheaval.
But KC backup quarterback Chad Henne did a solid job. The Browns offense could never find their usual big-game 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 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 in their AFC playoff game on January 17. 2021, at Arrowhead Stadium. John Kuntz, cleveland.com
SEARCH FOR AN IDENTITY
Coach Kevin Stefanski made a strange call to play, especially in the first half.
As in Kareem, Hunt did not touch the ball once in the first half.
Not once. Not a single game running. Not a single passage in his direction.
This is Hunt making his return to KC. Hunt has run with a goal 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 from 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 assists.
In the second period, Chubb gained 57 yards on eight carries.
Both backers carried the ball 19 times (91 yards) compared to Mayfield who threw 37 passes.
Yes, the Browns thought they would have to score a lot of points – maybe up to 40 – to win this game. But they seemed to lose confidence in their racing game.
“Baker Mayfield fought like he always does,” Stefanski said. “But I didn’t place it well enough.
The awful call
At the end of the first half, Higgins caught a 27-yard pass. He could see the goal line. He tried to reach out with the ball, throwing his body towards the end zone.
KC safety Daniel Sorenson hit Higgins, knocking the ball over. He came out of the end zone.
The NFL has a stupid rule that gives the defense the ball on a touchdown. OK, bad rule. But that’s the rule.
But why did Higgins fumble?
Because Sorensen almost knocked his head back with a blow from helmet to helmet.
It is not just a circuit view. The broadcast team led by Tony Romo said they were targeting. The official they used as an expert said it was an illegal move.
No flag was thrown. The rules do not allow this game to be called into question.
A penalty would have set the Browns in place for a TD just before half-time, reducing the lead to 16-10.
Instead, they went to the dressing room 16-3.
“Rashard Higgins is a warrior,” Stefanski said. “He’s been fighting all season. I will never doubt this child’s efforts. It was a miserable play. I will never doubt him.
Cleveland Browns fans react to the fumble from Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins in the first half during their AFC playoff game on January 17, 2021 at Arrowhead Stadium. John Kuntz, cleveland.com
RUNNING OUT OF GREAT FINISHES
Stefanski had an uneven game. Besides the call of play, the Browns lost two timeouts in the second half.
The first was on a challenge when it was obvious that Kansas City’s Tyreek Hill had caught the ball. The second was when the attack couldn’t be lined up correctly, and Mayfield had to call a time out to avoid a penalty.
But I’m not going to dwell on the negatives – other than the fact that Browns fans might have a shot at facing Buffalo next week in what amounts to the NFL Final Four.
The Browns have been one of the best stories in football, going from chaos 6-10 to a record 11-5 under Stefanski in his rookie season.
Mayfield has proven he can be a QB who can take his team to the playoffs and beat Pittsburgh in back-to-back games.
The Browns have overcome many injuries. They finished this match with Blake Hance on the 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 the drama and unnecessary silly things the Browns have done in the past.
Disappointed with the loss of KC?
Absolutely.
But for now, I can’t wait until next year as Andrew Berry’s front office has the offseason to bolster the defense.
“Right now it’s stinging,” Stefanski said. “We came here to win and we didn’t succeed. Our responsibility is to be the last team standing.
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