Cleveland Browns instant reactions: Divisional Round comeback falls short

Offense

On the first offensive play, left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. was injured with a calf injury. Nonetheless, the Browns looked like they would methodically drive down the field and score. But a sack for a loss of nine derailed that idea. In the end, kicker Cody Parkey makes a 46 yard field goal.

The Browns were driving on their second possession. That is, until a holding call on Wyatt Teller but the team way behind the sticks. Two dropped passes by Nick Chubb later and the Browns ended up punting. Chubb catching the screen pass might have gotten them out of that hole too.

On the third drive of the game, the Browns were already down 16-3. Cleveland seemed to have abandoned the run game for a downfield passing concept. The Browns completed a pass to wide receiver Rashard Higgins which was subsequently fumbled and went through the back of the end zone resulting in a touchback. The football gods giveth, the football gods take away.

Cleveland got the ball to begin the half. The Browns looked out of sorts to start the drive. The drive ended with a quarterback Baker Mayfield interception. Baker looked like he was trying to do too much. Pressing has always been the Achilles Heel of this team.

The offense came out on the next possession and returned to the running the ball plus play action passing that the served the Browns so well this season. The Browns drove the ball down the field and scored a touchdown making the score 22-10 Chiefs.

Cleveland continued the pound and ground in the next series. It resulted in a touchdown bringing the score to 22-17. The Browns were back in the game. With Patrick Mahommes out with a concussion, the Browns have a chance to take the game.

The offense came out with the chance to take the lead. One note, Baker is greatly improved on fourth and 1 quarterback sneaks. He has executed three fourth down conversions in this game. Unfortunately, the Browns could not get a first down and had to punt. The defense will need to make a play for the Browns to have a chance. Unfortunately, that did not happen and the game ended before the Browns got the ball back.

This was a great season for the Cleveland Browns. They faced all sorts of insurmountable odds. They were able to go far beyond all expectations. They have established themselves as a team to be reckoned with in the NFL.

Rejoice Browns fans. The Browns are back — even if this game hurt.