Chiefs-Browns scouting report

NOTEWORTHY CHIEFS:

Eleven Chiefs players have scored at least one touchdown. … The Chiefs rank in the top five in the NFL in 10 of 17 offensive categories. … The Chiefs have scored 79 points in the first quarter. By comparison, the Browns have scored 46 points in the first half. … Patrick Mahomes We made a decision early in the season, but we have half of the season left. We’re a few plays here or there from being 5-2-1, 4-3-1. We’re not far away.”

Williams is continuing his role as defensive coordinator. He is trying to get the Browns’ offense to take his fiery personality. The defense has that attitude, but it hasn’t always produced positive results.

The Browns have given up more than 24 points in four has completed 65.6 percent (187 of 285) of his passes . ... Linebacker Anthony Hitchens, a Clearview graduate, is questionable with a rib injury suffered last week.

NOTEWORTHY BROWNS:

On offense, the Browns rank 30th in the NFL in third down conversions. … of their five losses. They have given up 12 touchdowns on the ground and 11 through the air. The Chiefs will challenge them with the highest scoring offense in the AFC.

“Very explosive, starting with guys like (Chiefs wide receiver) Tyreek Hill,” cornerback Denzel Ward said. “Everything runs through their quarterback (Patrick Mahomes). We have to find a way to slow those guys down. They are definitely a great Nick Chubb is averaging 6.1 yards a carry on 52 carries. … The Browns have been penalized 65 times – seven more times than their opponents . ... Linebacker Joe Schobert is missing his fourth straight game with a hamstring injury.

Jeff Schudel’s prediction:

Chiefs 34, Browns 24 looking team.”

This game won’t settle the question about which is the right way to go, but Mahomes sat until the final game of 2017 his rookie year and learned watching Alex Smith. Browns rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield was supposed to learn under Tyrod Taylor all season, but that plan was terminated when Taylor suffered a concussion in the first half of the third game. Mayfield led a rally to beat the Jets and has taken every offensive snap since.

Mahomes, meanwhile, has thrown 26 touchdown passes and only six interceptions. The only other NFL quarterback with more than 20 touchdown passes is Andrew Luck of the Colts with 23.

“I haven’t though about that because if I was thinking about what could have been, I wouldn’t be worried about what’s going on right now,” Mayfield said. “I’ve never been one to want to sit out. I’ve always wanted to play. It is what it is.

“I think I can learn from experience. I think he learned from both. He started the last game in 2017. Everybody’s different. He benefitted from that and I think I can learn quickly, as well.”

Mayfield has thrown eight touchdown passes and six interceptions.