Chad Henne, Chiefs Beat Baker Mayfield, Browns Despite Patrick Mahomes’ Injury

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

The defending champs are still alive. Whether they’ll have superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes going forward remains to be seen.  

The Kansas City Chiefs opened their postseason with a 22-17 win over the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Divisional Round on Sunday, looking very much like the NFL’s best team for the first three quarters after a 14-2 regular season.

But the win wasn’t without huge concerns. Mahomes was clearly a bit hobbled after injuring his toe in the first half and was evaluated for a concussion after leaving the game in the third quarter, as he looked very woozy following a hit. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game with a concussion in the fourth quarter.

And kicker Harrison Butker missed a chip-shot field goal and an extra point that would have widened the lead. 

That opened the door for the Browns to make a fourth-quarter push and they cut the deficit to five points with 11 minutes remaining. But Chad Henne—conjuring the memories of backup-quarterbacks-turned-postseason-legends before him like Frank Reich and Nick Foles—executed a clutch fourth-and-1 conversion with a pass to Tyreek Hill with just over a minute remaining, ending the game and pushing Kansas City to the AFC Conference Championship Game. 

It was an incredible moment of trust from Andy Reid after Henne threw an interception earlier in the fourth quarter. And if the Chiefs ultimately repeat as champions, it’s a moment that their fans will never forget. 

Key Stats

Patrick Mahomes, KC: 21-of-30 for 255 yards and a score, three rushes for 14 yards and a touchdown

Chad Henne, KC: 6-of-8 for 66 yards and an interception

Travis Kelce: Eight catches for 109 yards and a score

Baker Mayfield, CLE: 23-of-37 for 204 yards, a touchdown and an interception

Nick Chubb: 13 carries for 69 yards, two catches for four yards

Rashard Higgins: Five catches for 88 yards and a fumble

Henne Was A Hero, But Everything Hinges on Mahomes’ Health Going Forward

Henne entered the pantheon of Chiefs legends on Sunday, rescuing Kansas City at the precise moment it appeared Cleveland was going to mount a comeback with Mahomes sidelined. But while Reid is a brilliant offensive mind and the Chiefs are loaded with talents like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, their competitive advantage has always hinged on one factor—Mahomes is the best quarterback alive. 

The Chiefs were able to weather the storm for a little over a quarter, already holding a lead, as they turned largely to the running game and defense. To Henne’s credit, he also made some critical, and clutch, throws. 

But if the Chiefs have to face the extremely talented Buffalo Bills next week without Mahomes, they’ll be in trouble. Serious, serious trouble. 

Henne and the Chiefs averted disaster on Sunday. But if they want to repeat as champions, they need Mahomes. 

The Future Is Bright In Cleveland

Sunday was an opportunity missed for the Browns, who had a chance to orchestrate a comeback with Kansas City’s best player sidelined. They’ll be kicking themselves all offseason for failing to take advantage. 

But the Browns are building something special. Baker Mayfield proved this season that he’s a franchise player worth building around. Nick Chubb is emerging as one of the game’s best running backs. Myles Garrett leads a defense with real potential. And the Browns will get back Odell Beckham Jr. next season. 

Plus, the Browns just got downright unlucky at points on Sunday. Higgins in particular will rue his fumble into the end zone:

The Browns had a fantastic season. They ended a 17-year playoff drought. They eliminated their bitter rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, from the postseason. They went from 6-10 last year to 11-5. Sunday was a heartbreaker, but it may also be an indicator of better days ahead.

What’s Next?

Kansas City will host the Buffalo Bills next Sunday at 6:40 p.m. ET on CBS. Cleveland enters its offseason.