The Cleveland Browns faced a tough home game in Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs at Huntington Bank Field, ultimately falling to a 21-7 defeat. If you’re asking “what’s the score of the Chiefs game?”, the Browns couldn’t overcome a series of self-inflicted errors, handing the Chiefs a decisive victory.
The Browns struggled with turnovers throughout the game, with critical mistakes on both offense and special teams consistently giving the Chiefs favorable field position. Quarterback Jameis Winston threw three interceptions, and fumbles by WR James Proche II and RB Nick Chubb before the third quarter’s 12-minute mark further compounded their woes. These errors proved too costly as the Browns’ record for the season now stands at 3-11. Looking ahead, they are set to travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals in Week 16.
Key Moments from the Chiefs vs. Browns Game
Early Turnovers Cripple Browns’ Chances
The Browns’ offense struggled to find its rhythm early in the game. By the time they accumulated 100 total net yards, the score was already 21-0 in favor of the Chiefs, with 10 minutes still remaining in the third quarter. Turnovers were the primary culprit behind this significant deficit.
After a strong defensive start by the Browns, forcing a quick three-and-out on the Chiefs’ opening drive, special teams faltered. James Proche II fumbled the ensuing punt return, immediately putting the Chiefs in scoring position. Kansas City capitalized swiftly, executing a three-play touchdown drive to take an early lead.
Alt text: James Proche II of the Cleveland Browns fumbles the punt return, giving possession to the Kansas City Chiefs during Week 15 game.
Later in the first half, Winston managed to drive the Browns offense to the Chiefs’ 36-yard line. However, a promising nine-play, 44-yard drive ended abruptly when Winston attempted a deep pass into the end zone, which was intercepted by Chiefs safety Bryan Cook. This marked the Browns’ first turnover of the day and halted their momentum.
Alt text: Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston throws an interception to Bryan Cook of the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15 matchup.
The Browns received a glimmer of hope just before halftime when Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker missed a 29-yard field goal. But any momentum was short-lived. On the very first play of the second half, Winston’s short pass to Nick Chubb resulted in another turnover. Chubb couldn’t secure the catch, and the ball deflected into the hands of Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton for Winston’s second interception. The Chiefs promptly converted this turnover into another scoring drive, extending their lead.
Facing a daunting 21-0 deficit, the Browns offense took the field at their own 33-yard line, desperate for a score. However, disaster struck again on the first play of the drive. Linebacker Leo Chenal punched the ball out of Nick Chubb’s grasp, gifting possession back to the Chiefs and further burying the Browns.
Alt text: Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns fumbles the football as Leo Chenal of the Kansas City Chiefs forces the turnover during Week 15 NFL game.
Even after finally reaching the end zone, the Browns’ comeback hopes were dashed in the fourth quarter. With a chance to narrow the gap to a one-score game, Winston attempted a deep pass to WR Michael Woods II from the Kansas City 29-yard line on first down. The pass was underthrown and intercepted by CB Trent McDuffie, marking Winston’s third interception of the game.
Alt text: Browns QB Jameis Winston throws his third interception of the game to Trent McDuffie of the Chiefs in the fourth quarter of Week 15.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson replaced Winston at quarterback following this third interception, but the turnover troubles continued. Thompson-Robinson also threw an interception, contributing to the Browns’ staggering total of six turnovers for the game.
Jerome Ford Shines Despite Browns’ Struggles
Despite the overall offensive struggles, running back Jerome Ford provided a spark for the Browns in the second half. After a scoreless first half for the Browns, Ford broke free for a 62-yard touchdown run, finally putting points on the board for Cleveland. Taking the handoff, Ford burst to the right, showcasing his impressive speed and agility to outrun the Chiefs’ defense for the score.
Alt text: Jerome Ford of the Cleveland Browns scores a 62-yard rushing touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15 game.
Ford, stepping into the lead running back role after Chubb’s injury in the third quarter, proved to be a bright spot. He averaged over 11.5 yards per touch and finished the game with 104 total yards and the lone Browns touchdown.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy also had a productive day, leading the team with 108 receiving yards on 11 receptions. This performance marked a personal milestone for Jeudy, as he surpassed 4,000 career receiving yards and 1,000 yards in a single season for the first time in his five-year NFL career.
Browns Defense Unable to Contain Mahomes
The Browns’ defense faced a significant challenge in containing Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Despite the efforts of the Browns’ pass rush, they were unable to sack Mahomes throughout the game. Defensive end Myles Garrett recorded three quarterback hits and a tackle for loss but struggled to overcome the double-team blocking schemes employed by the Chiefs to neutralize his impact.
Alt text: Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns deflects a pass attempt by Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs during their Week 15 game.
While the Browns defense conceded 21 points, it’s important to note that field position significantly contributed to two of the Chiefs’ three touchdown drives. Their first touchdown originated from the Cleveland 21-yard line following Proche’s punt fumble, and their third touchdown drive began at the Browns’ 34-yard line after Winston’s first interception.
Outside of these three scoring drives, the Browns defense performed relatively well, forcing four punts and a missed field goal from the Chiefs in the first half. In the Chiefs’ final six possessions of the game, they punted five times and turned the ball over on downs once. However, the Browns offense was unable to capitalize on these defensive stops and mount a comeback.
In conclusion, the final score of the Chiefs game was Browns 7, Chiefs 21. Turnovers and an inability to consistently move the ball offensively were the Browns’ undoing in this Week 15 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
