Cade York's game-winning try is blocked in 33-32 Browns loss
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
KANSAS CITY, MO
Instant takeaways from Browns 33-32 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs …1. Can you believe it?: A week after blowing two game-winning field goal attempts, fate gave Cade York another chance in Arrowhead Stadium. But York, who made a 40-yard kick with 4:19 to play to put the Browns ahead, had his game-winning try blocked from 43 yards. Chiefs defensive tackle Phil Hoskins deflected the ball off course and the Chiefs prevailed, 33-32. Counting a miss wiped out by penalty in Philadelphia, York was 4 of 9 in four preseason games.
2. Defense, baby: From the beginning of training camp, the Browns’ defense was ahead of its offense. And that’s the way the preseason ended. Jim Schwartz’s charged-up defense scored before Kevin Stefanski’s offense for the third game in a row. This time it was a Pick 6 by safety Juan Thornhill. Safety Rodney McLeod also had an interception to set up a Browns’ TD. And when Schwartz put in his backups, cornerback Caleb Biggers added another Pick 6. It would have been nice to see the No. 1 defense perform against Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, but Andy Reid rested his superstars and other starters.
3. Wrapping D-Wat: Deshaun Watson’s season tune-up lasted 18 offensive plays. He engineered two touchdown drives. The first was a short one of three plays after McLeod’s interception at the Chiefs’ 16. Watson made a nice throw of 10 yards to tight end David Njoku for the score. Watson’s second scoring drive consumed 80 yards in 8 plays. The big play there came when Watson eluded pressure and spotted Amari Cooper sneaking behind the Chiefs secondary for a 53-yard reception. Running back John Kelly then had runs of 9, 7 and 2 yards for the touchdown. Watson’s stats: 5 of 10 for 92 yards, the TD, and a passer rating of 115.4.
4. DTR as QB2: Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s first stint as the undisputed QB2 was meh, hardly as electrifying as previous play stints. DTR did not produce any points in three series. Each possession ended in punts. DTR’s stats: 7 of 12 for 92 yards, 1 sack, 82.6 rating. Thompson-Robinson made one really good play, converting a third-and-13 with a 23-yard connection with former high school teammate Cedric Tillman.5. Oh, Cade: York missed his first PAT wide left. York was being pressured from the right edge by Jaylen Watson, who rammed into York’s right shin right after the kick and drew a roughing-the-kicker penalty. York spent a few minutes in the medical tent, but returned. He made his next three PATs and the field goal in the fourth quarter.
Juan Thornhill turned in a Pick 6 in his first return to Kansas City. It was one of two Pick 6s scored by the Browns' defense. (Cleveland Browns)
6. Then again: The Pick 6 was sweet redemption for Biggers. He was one of three backups who missed tackles on a short pass that Perine turned into a 20-yard touchdown. Biggers’ whiff was first, followed by misses by linebacker Mohamoud Diabate and safety Ronnie Hickman. Also, a Chiefs scoring drive in the third quarter was extended when Biggers was called for pass interference on a third-down stop (cheap call). Blaine Gabbert connected for a 43-yard touchdown to Ihmir Smith-Marsette on the very next play with safety D’Anthony Bell and cornerback A.J. Green unsure of coverage.
7. Cruel, just cruel: Return specialist Jakeem Grant rehabbed for almost 400 days to come back from a blown-out Achilles tendon suffered at last year’s training camp. He finally was ready for live action. And on the first kickoff, Grant went down with a serious injury to his right knee.
8. Opportunity fumbled: Jordan Wilkins had a golden opportunity to claim the RB3 role. On the Browns’ first play from scrimmage, Wilkins took a direct snap out of the Wildcat formation and gained 5 yards. Three plays later, he fumbled a handoff exchange from Watson. Later in the first quarter, Wilkins fumbled another exchange. He did not return after that one. Wilkins did run in a 2-point converstion from 2 yards.
9. Special teams hints: Players vying for last roster spots have to make the 53 on special teams play. That’s why it was interesting to see the following players on kickoff and punt teams in the first quarter: Diabate and Tanner McCalister. They were joined by special teams ace Matthew Adams, which means there is a chance for both undrafted players to make the 53.10. Ouch: Besides Grant, linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk left the game in the first half with a knee injury and defensive end Jordan Elliott left with a hip injury.11. Pre-game notes: The following players did not dress for the game: receiver Anthony Schwartz, receiver Mike Woods, receiver Jaelon Darden, receiver Marquise Goodwin, cornerback Mike Ford, cornerback Cameron Mitchell, running back Jerome Ford, defensive end Isaiah Thomas, defensive end Alex Wright, guard Wes Martin, guard Drew Forbes, and tight end Harrison Bryant. Players in uniform who did not play: Running back Nick Chubb, left guard Joel Bitonio, and defensive end Myles Garrett.
