Browns @ Chiefs
Final Score: Chiefs 33, Browns 32
Writer: Ryan Radel (@RadelFF on Twitter)
The first half of this game was sloppy, with three turnovers in the first quarter alone. After a slow start from Cleveland, they ended the first quarter up 22-3 thanks to a pick-6 from newly acquired free agent Juan Thornhill followed by two scoring drives by Deshaun Watson. Once the majority of starters finally took a seat, the tides turned dramatically in the Chiefs favor with the Browns only putting up three points in the second half, ultimately losing the game on a blocked 43-yard field goal attempt by Cade York.
Three Up
- La’Mical Perine – 76 total yards on seven touches is some excellent efficiency. Catching all three targets is another huge plus in KC’s offense. Securing a backup role will be tough considering the other personnel but he is making a case.
- Blaine Gabbert – The 33 year old signal caller has been battling for backups duties with the much younger Buechele, but Gabbert outplayed him by a mile.
- Deshaun Watson – A sloppy start that involved a lost fumbled from a bad handoff to his running back, Deshaun righted the ship and scored on his next two drives before taking a seat.
Three Down
- Kellen Mond – After being cut, then “actuaaally….” once Joshua Dobbs was traded to Arizona, Mond did not look great in this matchup. His roster spot is in jeopardy.
- Cade York – After nailing all three extra point attempts as well as a 40-yarder, York missed ANOTHER crucial field goal attempt that would’ve put the Browns up by two with just 12 seconds on the clock.
- Shane Buechele – Basically no chance at beating out Gabbert after going 8/17 for 89 yards and 2 INTs, although he did manage a touchdown.
Cleveland Browns
| HOF Game | Preseason Week 1 | Preseason Week 2 |
Quarterback
Deshaun Watson: 5/10, 92 yards, TD | 3 carries, 1 yard, 2 fumbles (1 lost)
It was a rough start for Deshaun Watson as his first drive ended with a fumble and the second ended with a punt. What followed was back-to-back touchdown drives for Cleveland before Deshaun took a seat. The second scoring drive was an 80-yard masterpiece capped off by a John Kelly Jr score. The first was this absolute dime from Watson to his tight end in the corner of the end zone from 10 yards out.
A CHIEF SLAM !! @deshaunwatson x @David_Njoku80 pic.twitter.com/JsjVSaMXer
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 26, 2023
Missed Opportunities
- Very ugly handoff to Jordan Wilkins on one of the fumbles. I don’t know what happened between the two but it was awful.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson: 7/12, 92 yards, Sack | 1 carry, 4 yards
With the backup job completely secured now that Joshua Dobbs is in Arizona, Dorian Thompson-Robinson‘s confidence seems to be somehow higher than it was before. Considering his draft stock and size, there was minimal hype after he was selected in the 5th round. The 6’1″ 191 pounder continues to impress this preseason as he shows excellent development. Nothing really mind-blowing this game, but DTR continues to exceed his expectations.
Running Back
John Kelly Jr: 6 carries, 20 yards, TD | 4 targets, 3 receptions, 33 yards
The preseason has been fairly lackluster for John Kelly Jr. thus far but he proved why he could deserve a roster spot after his outing versus the Chiefs. The score wasn’t stellar, but Kelly had been stuffed on the goal line more than once this preseason so it was good to see him slam home a touchdown from two yards out. He was more efficient with his touches through the air than on the ground which was a pleasant surprise as I view him as more off a “between the tackles” guy.
Demetric Felton Jr.: 6 carries, 9 yards | 2 targets, 1 reception, 6 yards
After going bonkers in the preseason so far, Demetric Felton Jr. came back down to Earth in this matchup. I think it had more to do with he has his roster spot locked up and the team wanted to look at other running backs in action. Felton was kept in check but has proven to be explosive with the ball in his hands.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Amari Cooper: 3 targets, 1 reception, 53 yards
During pregame interviews, Deshaun Watson said the only thing he asked of head coach Kevin Stefanski was to let Deshaun throw it downfield. He must have asked nicely, because after a few missed attempts his way, Stefanski drew up a play that resulted in a 53-yard catch and run by Amari Cooper down the sideline. Cooper sat down with the rest of the starters shortly afterwards
53 yards. SEND IT. @deshaunwatson x @AmariCooper9 pic.twitter.com/Y0iVWHLkSt
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 26, 2023
David Njoku: 1 target, 1 reception, 10 yards, TD
Outside of the touchdown, David Njoku had a quiet game before joining the rest of the starters on the bench. That catch was a beauty, though. With his size and athleticism combined with Watsons ability to extend plays, this could become a common occurrence in 2023.
Austin Watkins Jr.: 3 targets, 1 reception, 12 yards
Austin Watkins Jr. has had a STELLAR preseason and my hope for the limited playtime/targets is that the team already decided to keep him. I only have him listed to show that he did not have a great game compared to previous weeks, but I think his body of work should earn him a roster spot especially if he plays special teams.
Kansas City Chiefs
| Preseason Week 1 | Preseason Week 2 |
Quarterback
Blaine Gabbert: 10/18, 169 yards, 2 TD, INT, Sack | 2 carries, 6 yards
If there was any question on who the backup in Kansas City would be this week, those questions have been answered. Blaine Gabbert knows the system well enough that even with his age and skillset, he can make it happen, albeit with some mistakes (like his thrown pick-six.) Ultimately Gabbert looks incredibly comfortable running this offense if that wasn’t already evident from the last time these two teams met in the playoffs, and if he keeps making throws like this he will remain the primary backup for the foreseeable future:
Bullseye Blaine 🎯 pic.twitter.com/XitBnMgtkR
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) August 26, 2023
Shane Buechele: 8/17, 89 yards, TD, 2 INT
The inverse of Gabbert in this matchup, Shane Buechele struggled mightily but was somewhat redeemed by a passing score. Buechele started the game and it could be argued he was playing against better competition. Buechele tossed a bad pick-six on his second drive, and followed that up with another interception on the very next drive. His only saving grace is that he avoided taking any sacks against what is looking to be like a formidable Cleveland defense.
Running Back
La’Mical Perine: 4 carries, 32 yards | 3 targets, 3 receptions, 44 yards, TD
La’Mical Perine flashed his ability all over the field, including a 30 yard run and a 20 yard reception that resulted in a score. Perine was the third running back on the field but was by far the most efficient out of all of the running backs Kansas City fielded today. Perine’s playtime is likely going to be heavily influenced by roster injuries and his ability to pass block for Mahomes.
Deneric Prince: 12 carries, 45 yards | 2 targets, 2 receptions, 8 yards
Deneric Prince entered the game even later than Perine as he battles for a roster spot, and managed nearly four yards per carry, including a nice 15-yard scamper. Prince looked like the “biggest” back out of Kansas City’s backfield and may carry value based on that alone, though its a very crowded backfield for the UDFA to catch on. He runs hard, but it’s mostly in a straight line.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Ihmir Smith-Marsette: 4 targets, 4 receptions, 101 yards, TD
On the receiving end of one of Blaine Gabbert’s two touchdowns, Ihmir Smith-Marsette beat coverage over the top and went 43 yards for a score in the third quarter, helping fuel the Chiefs comeback. The Chiefs receiver room is another packed house, but a game like this has to raise some eyebrows around the 2021 fifth round selection out of Iowa. ISM looked to have good chemistry with the backup quarterbacks.
Justyn Ross: 6 targets, 2 receptions, 12 yards, TD
Justyn Ross was the beneficiary of Buechele’s only touchdown score from three yards out in the second quarter. Outside of that, Ross only brought in one of five other targets for nine total yards. If it wasn’t for the score this would’ve been ugly for one of the more hyped up receivers in KC. Ross has the size to make an impact in the NFL but he has to stay healthy; the best ability is availability.
Ty Fryfogle: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 40 yards
He’s only here cause of the name. TyFry in the house!
Notes
- Name hall of fame candidate.
Thanks for reading! The regular season is upon us!! Best of luck to you unless you are in my leagues.
Happy National Dog Day to all of the pups throughout Chiefs Kingdom! ❤️🐶 pic.twitter.com/74GKGoCAzv
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) August 27, 2023