What we learned about Chiefs in 21-7 win vs. Browns — with a Patrick Mahomes injury
The Kansas City Chiefs finally found a way to win a game by more than one possession.
Forcing six turnovers, on this day, was the formula.
KC’s defense dominated on a windy afternoon at Huntington Bank Field, putting together its best effort of the season in a 21-7 road victory over the Cleveland Browns.
After the game, however, Patrick Mahomes’ health will be the biggest concern. The Chiefs QB injured his right ankle late in the fourth quarter when Browns defenders sandwiched him on a fourth-and-3 pass play.
Mahomes had his ankle taped on the sideline but did not re-enter the game on the Chiefs’ next possession. The Chiefs’ official injury status on Mahomes was questionable with his ankle ailment.
The Chiefs’ defense added five sacks — with two coming from George Karlaftis — while also aided in the fourth quarter by All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie’s first career interception.
KC also had three other picks — by Bryan Cook, Nick Bolton and Jaden Hicks — and recovered a pair of fumbles.
This was a significant result for the Chiefs, who improved to 13-1 while remaining in sole possession of first place in the race for the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
The Chiefs led 14-0 at halftime in a game where the weather impacted both offenses.
A constant 18 mph wind — with gusts in the 30s — made all passes more challenging.
Cleveland still basically handed KC a touchdown early; punt returner James Proche fumbled while getting tackled by Chris Roland-Wallace, with the Chiefs’ Samaje Perine falling on it at the Browns 21.
Three plays later, Mahomes found JuJu Smith-Schuster across the formation for a seven-yard score, giving KC the early lead.
The Chiefs’ defense held its ground the rest of the half.
That included a standout play from Cook, who two-handed a high-point interception in the end zone to turn back a first-quarter drive.
The Browns had just 74 first-half yards while averaging 2.8 yards per play.
KC’s offense struggled overall before maintaining an extended second-quarter drive, going 87 yards on 14 plays. Mahomes’ TD pass went to tight end Noah Gray for six yards, as the Chiefs opened a two-score, first-half lead for a third straight game.
Mahomes’ stats were limited even before his injury; he completed 19 of 38 passes for 159 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
In the return to his hometown, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had four catches for 27 yards.
The Chiefs will play at home against the Houston Texans at noon Central on Saturday, Dec. 21.
This story was originally published December 15, 2024 at 3:19 PM.
