Browns vs. Chiefs: Live Grades and Analysis for Kansas City

Kansas City's pass rush was derailed throughout the majority of the game, but it swarmed Jason Campbell in the most critical juncture. 

The Chiefs extend their streak of perfection to 8-0. 

Final

Cleveland - 17

Kansas City - 23

Position Unit	First-Half Grade	Final Grade
Pass Offense	A-	C+
Run Offense	B+	B-
Run Defense	A+	A
Pass Defense	C	D+
Special Teams	C-	C+
Coaching	A	A-

Game analysis for the Kansas City Chiefs

Pass Offense: The offensive line was abused by Cleveland’s defensive front throughout the latter half of the game, and Kansas City’s passing attack regressed because of it. Alex Smith misfired on multiple deep balls, but he finished the game with a respectable stat line, throwing for 225 yards and two touchdowns on 24-of-36 passing.

Run Offense: Jamaal Charles battled a knee injury in the second half, which limited his attempts and productivity. Still, the Chiefs totaled 136 rushing yards, largely due to the tandem of Charles (74 yards) and Smith (40). 

Run Defense: Cleveland’s backfield enjoyed more success in the second half, but the group was still largely suppressed. Derrick Johnson and Eric Berry doubled as a pair of homing missiles, periodically barreling through the line and crushing ball-carriers. 

Pass Defense: Sunday’s game won’t make its way into Sean Smith’s scrapbook. Kansas City’s cornerback often trailed behind targets and permitted chunks of yardage to be gained on his watch. The team’s vaunted pass rush wasn’t as overwhelming as it was in weeks past, but it was revived and came roaring back in the Chiefs’ most pivotal series. 

Special Teams: Kansas City benefited from a fumbled punt return by Davone Bess, but it wasn’t caused by anything of their doing. Ryan Succop barely missed a 52-yard opportunity in the first half, but he redeemed himself by connecting on a 40-yard field goal with 17 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

Coaching: Andy Reid’s assorted play-calling allowed the offense to prosper in spurts.

First-half analysis for the Kansas City Chiefs

Pass Offense: The Chiefs feature the perfect personnel for screens—an athletic offensive line and dynamic backfield—and it was apparent throughout the first two quarters. Jamaal Charles and Anthony Sherman effectively torched the Cleveland defense with their 300-pounders paving the way. Alex Smith accounted for nine passing first downs.

Run Offense: Smith picked up a critical 23-yard first down while evading pressure. Excluding that, Cleveland’s seven-man front thwarted Kansas City’s ground game throughout the bulk of the first half. Jamaal Charles gashed the defense in Kansas City’s final scoring drive, though. 

Run Defense: Because the Chiefs drained the clock with efficient drives, the Browns only attempted three rushes throughout the first half. On the rare occasion that Willis McGahee cradled a handoff, he was swallowed by the interior of Kansas City’s defense. Derrick Johnson was a one-man wrecking crew.

Pass Defense: The Cleveland Browns didn’t move the chains until late in the second quarter. However, Kendrick Lewis committed an error in judgment and offered safety help on a receiver that wasn’t in need of it, and Josh Gordon dusted Sean Smith on a 39-yard flea flicker. Smith routinely struggled to match Gordon’s speed. 

Special Teams: For the most part, Ryan Succop was reliable throughout the first half, but he did push a 52-yard attempt wide left. The return teams repeatedly failed to create lanes for Dexter McCluster and Quintin Demps. 

Coaching: Andy Reid bamboozled the Browns with a mixed bag of play-calling. He also tossed a challenge flag that successfully overturned an inaccurate spot.

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