CLEVELAND, Ohio – There are things to doubt.
There was a personal lack / lack of direction lost by the officers in the Rashard Higgins coup that probably cost the Browns a TD.
There were the usual frustrating defensive breakdowns that drive Brown fans crazy.
But what a year!
I kept thinking that after the Browns lost 22-17 to Kansas City in the second round of Sunday’s playoffs.
Veteran fans of Cleveland sports teams know that you can’t take anything 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 are expected to be a playoff team next year. And yes, it is very possible to think that the best is yet to come.
This is something to remember when we think about how the Browns had a great chance of winning this game, especially when the QB universe Patrick Mahomes left the game with 7:27 remaining in the third quarter due to a concussion.
At that point, KC had a 19-10 lead.
Suddenly, the Browns had real hope of a turnaround.
But KC’s backup, QB Chad Henne, did a solid job. The Browns’ attack never managed to find his usual big play personality. They just didn’t have enough to beat the Super Bowl champions in Kansas City.
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku receives a first pass down in the first half saved by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and loses a pass saved by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed during the AFC Divisional Playoff game, on January 17, 2021, at Arrowhead Stadium. John Kuntz, cleveland.com
LOOKING FOR AN IDENTITY
There were some strange calls from coach Kevin Stefanski, especially in the first half.
As in Kareem, Hunt never touched the ball in the first half.
Not once. No play in progress. Nobody passes in your direction.
Here was Hunt returning to KC. Hunt has been racing with purpose all year, but especially in the last two games.
In the second half, Hunt carried the ball six times in 32 yards. He took a 2-yard pass. He also scored in a 3-yard TD race.
Nick Chubb had a miserable first half with 12 yards on five loads. He also dropped two passes.
In the second half, Chubb won 57 yards in eight races.
The two running backs carried the ball 19 times (91 yards) compared to Mayfield throwing 37 passes.
Yes, the Browns thought they would have to score a lot of points – maybe even 40 – to win this game. But they seemed to lose faith in their racing game.
“Baker Mayfield fought as usual,” said Stefanski. “But I didn’t put him in a good enough situation.”
THE TERRIBLE CALL
At the end of the first half, Higgins received a 27-yard pass. He could see the goal line. He tried to extend his hand with the ball while throwing his body towards the end zone.
KC safety Daniel Sorenson hit Higgins, tossing the ball out. He left the end zone.
The NFL has a stupid rule that gives the defense the ball in the touchback. OK, bad rule. But it is the rule.
But why did Higgins fumble?
Because Sorensen almost took his head off with a helmet-to-helmet blow.
This is not simply a view of the homer. The broadcast team led by Tony Romo said he was a target. The official they used as a specialist said it was an illegal scam.
No flags were launched. The rules do not allow this game to be challenged.
A penalty would have set the Browns to a TD just before the break, reducing the lead to 16-10.
Instead, they went to the locker room by 16-3.
“Rashard Higgins is a warrior,” said Stefanski. “He fought all season. I will never doubt that kid’s effort. It was an unfortunate move. I will never doubt him. “
Cleveland Browns fans react to the fumble of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins in the first half during the AFC Divisional Playoff game on January 17, 2021, at Arrowhead Stadium. John Kuntz, cleveland.com
RUNNING GREAT FINISHES
Stefanski had an uneven game. In addition to calling, the Browns blew two timeouts in the second half.
The first was in a challenge when it was obvious that Tyreek Hill, from Kansas City, had caught the ball. The second was when the attack could not be properly aligned and Mayfield had to ask for time to avoid a penalty.
But I’m not going to dwell on the downside – unless Browns fans can prove the chance to face Buffalo next week in what amounts to the NFL Final Four.
The Browns were one of the best football stories, going from chaos 6-10 to a 11-5 record under Stefanski in his debut season.
Mayfield proved that he can be a QB who can take his team to the playoffs and beat Pittsburgh in consecutive games.
The Browns overcame many injuries. They finished this game with Blake Hance on the left tackle. He replaced Kendall Lamm, who replaced holder 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 the stupid and unnecessary things the Browns did in the past.
Disappointed with the loss in KC?
Absolutely.
But now, I can’t wait for the next year, as Andrew Berry’s board has the off-season to reinforce the defense.
“It’s hurting right now,” said Stefanski. “We came here to win and we didn’t make it. Our responsibility is to be the last team standing. “
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