KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The first quarter for the Browns had highs and lows—the lows in the form of injuries and the good in the form of three touchdowns scored in the first quarter alone, which showcased both the offense and defense operating efficiently.
The first touchdown of the game came courtesy of the defense, specifically safety Juan Thornhill. Thornhill picked off a pass from Shane Buechele at the Cheifs' 34-yard line, returning it back to the end zone through traffic for six.
step in KC. take over KC. @Juan_Thornhill | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/kRtJzKQbnj
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 26, 2023
On the next drive, the Browns defense took the ball back thanks to cornerback MJ Emerson knocking a pass into the hands of safety Rodney McLeod for the interception.
no mercy 😤
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 26, 2023
📺: #CLEvsKC on @nflnetwork & @WEWS
📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/Ebs43Clkts pic.twitter.com/o2s6vXzCyr
With the offense back on the field on Kansas City's 15-yard line, quarterback Deshaun Watson moved down the field with a 5-yard pass to wide receiver Elijah Moore and then found tight end David Njoku in the end zone with a perfect pass and a great catch for the second touchdown of the day.
A CHIEF SLAM !! @deshaunwatson x @David_Njoku80 pic.twitter.com/JsjVSaMXer
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 26, 2023
After the defense forced the Chiefs to punt on their next drive, the Browns offense drove down the field, showing the connection between Watson and wide receiver Amari Cooper on a deep 53-yard pass.
53 yards. SEND IT. @deshaunwatson x @AmariCooper9 pic.twitter.com/Y0iVWHLkSt
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 26, 2023
With run gains from Demetric Felton and John Kelly Jr., the Browns were on the 2-yard line when Kelly pushed through up the middle for the third score of the quarter.
Kelly had struggled to find success on the goal line in previous preseason games, but the drive on Saturday made up for them, getting him in the end zone and allowing him to show off a long-awaited touchdown celebration.
come for the TD, stay for the celly
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 26, 2023
📺: #CLEvsKC on @nflnetwork & @WEWS
📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/Ebs43ClSj0 pic.twitter.com/u2gnYMaBCE
Midway through the second quarter, the Browns held a 22-10 lead over the Chiefs.
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