The Kansas City Chiefs struggled in the first quarter of their final preseason matchup against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. Despite the early lead they found after linebacker Leo Chenal recovered a fumble on the game’s opening drive, the utter collapse of Kansas City’s offense later in the quarter kept the Chiefs on their heels through the rest of the half.
Shane Buechele threw two interceptions, Blaine Gabbert threw another, and Kansas City’s offense just couldn’t recover from their turnovers as they fought back in the second quarter,
This was the ugliest half of the Chiefs’ preseason, and luckily for the team and its fans, it won’t count toward their end-of-season results.
Check out our five top takeaways from the Chiefs first half against the Browns:
Cleveland's first-team offense dominated Chiefs backups
The Browns decided to play their starters in this game, and the results of that choice speak for themselves. Cleveland had no problem working their way down the field against the Chiefs’ defense, and Kansas City looked totally outmatched on all but one drive.
The lone bright spot was Leo Chenal’s fumble recovery on the first drive of the game. After that, this half was a bloodbath for the Chiefs.
Chiefs special teams weren't so special
The Chiefs’ special teams unit is usually a strength for the team, but they’ve fallen flat through two quarters in this game. Holding penalties on kickoff returns kept Kansas City in a hole that was difficult for the second-team offense to climb out of, and a lack of urgency seemed to define the return game.
Harrison Butker managed to hit his only field goal attempt, and Tommy Townsend sent a booming punt downfield, so not all was lost despite the poor results in the return game. Expect coordinator Dave Toub to emphasize fundamentals to his unit at halftime.
Justyn Ross, Ihmir Smith-Marsette led offensive rebound in second quarter
Standout wide receiver Justyn Ross helped Kansas City’s offense get back on track in the second quarter, making a spectacular touchdown catch that cut the lead to two scores. Ross should be considered a lock to make the Chiefs’ 53-man roster and plays like this are a key reason why the team can’t afford to part ways with him ahead of the regular season.
Smith-Marsette was also a key part of the second-quarter comeback, making two catches for 58 yards to get Kansas City back within striking distance of the lead.
Watch for these receivers to be featured parts of Kansas City’s offense in the second half as the Chiefs attempt to lead a comeback against the Browns.
Rookie DB Chamarri Conner came to play
Rookie defensive back Chamarri Conner has been an impressive member of Kansas City’s defense in training camp and the preseason and was particularly active in the first half of Saturday’s game. He led the Chiefs in combined tackles and seemed to deploy effective coverage against the Browns’ first-team receivers.
Kansas City needed someone to step up on defense, and Conner answered the call. Though the Chiefs still trail in this game, Conner’s effort has been a bright spot through two quarters.
Despite steep deficit, Chiefs still have a chance to win
Kansas City will get the ball to start the second half and have a chance to turn the tide in this game if they can make some adjustments on both sides of the ball. Mistakes were made by the Chiefs early in the matchup, but they managed to tighten up a bit in the second quarter to keep the game from getting totally out of hand.
Veteran quarterback Blaine Gabbert has experience in tough situations, and with Cleveland’s first-team units off the field Kansas City should have more favorable matchups to look forward to in the third and fourth quarters.
