The game-day status of Odell Beckham Jr. is one of several uncertainties as the Browns' long-anticipated rematch with the Chiefs finally unfolds. (Cleveland Browns)
As Browns begin a new journey, it’s all about ‘team’
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
KANSAS CITY, MO
Four downs on Browns (0-0) v. Kansas City Chiefs (0-0)
First down: A new day.
Back in his rookie season of 2018, the first start Baker Mayfield made after his first coaching change was against Patrick Mahomes, a Big 12 college rival with whom he had sparred spectacularly and defeated in an unforgettable offensive show. Mahomes, in his second NFL season, was only making his ninth career NFL start, but he and his coach, Andy Reid, were well on their way to carving league history. That first NFL meeting between the college gunslingers was no contest. Mahomes was the beneficiary of a tremendous support group, led by Reid. When Mayfield and Mahomes met again in last season’s AFC division playoff game, the gap had closed. Mayfield was realizing similar benefits of good coaching under Kevin Stefanski – Mayfield’s fourth head coach – and play-maker support. But the headstart of continuity Mahomes enjoyed was too much to overcome. Mahomes was up, 19-3, before he was knocked out of the game in the third quarter. The Chiefs hung on without him, 22-17. This third meeting is a fairer fight. The Browns have grown up fast in two years as a potential rival of the Chiefs. Mayfield comes back to the same coaching and same offense – something Mahomes has enjoyed for four years -- for the first time in his NFL career. The interesting thing in the long build-up to this rematch is that the Mayfield-Mahomes angle was hardly mentioned, even as a small footnote to this season opener. It’s all about the Browns team, and the journey ahead. Which is another sign of the Browns’ growth.
Second down: The unveiling.
Since collecting a dozen new players through free agency and the draft over the last six months, defensive coordinator Joe Woods has anxiously prepped to mix them with his stalwarts on the field together. His first chance comes against the Chiefs, arguably the league’s most difficult offense to run with, much less stop. Woods’ new-look, high-speed defense will field at least seven new starters who were not with the team for the AFC playoff meeting on Jan. 17. The only holdovers projected to start on Sunday are defensive end Myles Garrett, linebacker Sione Takitaki, cornerback Denzel Ward and strong safety Ronnie Harrison. Among the newcomers expected to be vital components in defending receivers Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman, and tight end Travis Kelce, are a pair of 21-year-old, raw rookies -- Greg Newsome at cornerback and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah at linebacker. Totally self-aware, Newsome knows he’ll be targeted often by Reid and Mahomes. “I’m nervous before every game,” Newsome admitted. “I feel nerves is a way to show that you care. You wouldn’t be nervous about anything that you don’t care about. I’ll definitely be nervous, but I’ll definitely be ready, too.” As for JOK, Woods expects the 215-pound hybrid linebacker to be involved in “all” of the defensive packages in the game plan. The other key newcomers in Woods’ defense are veterans -- ends Jadeveon Clowney and Takk McKinley, tackles Andrew Billings and Malik Jackson, linebacker Anthony Walker, and safety John Johnson. “I feel good in terms of where we are, but it is going to be that first game and that pressure. It is a big game, a hostile environment, but I think we are ready to go, and we will see what happens,” Woods said.
Third down: Status unknown.
The status of one high-profile player on each team probably won’t be known until 90 minutes before kickoff when game-day actives are reported to the league. For the Chiefs, it’s safety Tyrann Mathieu. The multi-faceted Mathieu -- Kansas City’s defensive quarterback and one of the league’s premier, versatile defensive backs -- has not practiced since testing positive for COVID-19 on Sept. 1. Mathieu led NFL safeties with six interceptions last year and added one against Mayfield in the playoff game. “He’s really their sparkplug,” receiver Jarvis Landry said. “He’s the guy that’s making the plays. He’s the guy that they do a lot of things around defensively to use his gifts and his ability, whether he’s being a free player and just kind of making plays or getting guys lined up.” For the Browns, it’s receiver Odell Beckham Jr. The team had been meticulously plotting OBJ’s full recovery from November ACL surgery to coincide with the opening game. But everyone has been careful not to tip whether Beckham will play, and for how long. Beckham was a “limited” participant in practice all week. Stefanski said Beckham’s status would not be revealed until 90 minutes before kickoff. Last word on the flamboyant receiver of the week went to running back Kareem Hunt, who said, “He is looking great – very explosive, fast and great hands. He is looking like he never got hurt. I am excited to see what he brings.”
Fourth down: More kicking uncertainty
New kicker Chase McLaughlin ended the preseason on a shaky note with a missed PAT and long field goal try off the crossbar. On Friday, he was a late addition to the injury report with a hamstring injury on his right (kicking] leg, which was reported after McLaughlin was a full participant in practice. McLaughlin’s uncertain game day status resulted in the team activating backup kicker Chris Naggar from the practice squad on Saturday. Teams are allowed two practice squad call-ups to bring their roster to 55, from which they can decide the 47 active for the game on Sunday. Naggar was an undrafted free agent of the Jets, who released McLaughlin to make room in May. The Browns added Naggar to their practice squad last week. He has not even kicked in an NFL preseason game and will be the Browns’ Game 1 kicker if McLaughlin’s hamstring keeps him out. “He is still young, and he is raw, but he has a big leg,” said special teams coordinator Mike Priefer. “I think he is a very good young developmental kicker.”
The pick: Browns 31, Chiefs 30.
My record: (last year) 10-8.
