5 players the Browns need to play well to beat Chiefs

Denzel Ward and the Browns secondary must contain the Chiefs passing game

While it is not necessarily of the tone-setter variety as it is with Teller and the offensive line, cornerback Denzel Ward and the rest of the Browns defensive backfield cannot get hopelessly carved up by Patrick Mahomes and the vaunted Kansas City passing game and be expected to win. They will give up yards and completions, but this needs to be a bend, but don’t break performance.

Frankly, it would not be the end of the world if this game became a good, old-fashioned shootout in Arrowhead, as the Browns have the roster to play in that manner. What cannot happen though is for the Browns secondary to give up one freebie touchdown after another. They can give up points, but they have to put up a serious fight to make every trip to pay dirt hard for the Chiefs.

Of course, the occasional interception of third-down pass breakup would be greatly appreciated out of Ward and the defensive backfield. However, this is an uphill battle for the entire Cleveland defense and everyone knows this. If Cleveland wins this game, the defensive backfield will be a reason for it. Should this one become a laugher, Ward and company will be judged accordingly.

Ward does not have to play at an elite level, but he cannot be a weak link in the Browns defense.