Kansas City Chiefs edge Cleveland Browns 16-14
In a match-up of two franchises in desperate need of better times, it was the Kansas City Chiefs who took another step in the right direction Sunday, beating the Cleveland Browns 16-14. A fourth-quarter
field goal from Ryan Succop took the Chiefs to 2-0 for the first time since 2005.
The Chiefs followed up their impressive week one victory over San Diego with an unspectacular, but effective, performance in week two. A strong defense, which held the Browns to just 73 yards rushing,
and scored its team's only touchdown on an interception, took much of the credit for the Chiefs.
However, Coach Haley was quick to highlight the contribution of the whole team in getting to 2-0.
''This win says a lot,'' Haley said. ''These guys are understanding what it is all about, and that's becoming a team. I'm not saying we're there yet, but we stuck together and won. This was a huge win
to come into a hostile environment against a team that was fighting. We started the process last year and are continuing it.''
Despite being down 14-10 at halftime, the Chiefs shut out the the Browns in the second half,and made enough plays on offence to get the win.
Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones combined for 132 yards on 33 carries to carry much of the load on the offensive side of the ball. It was Jones who converted the game-winning first down, on 4th and inches,
with two minutes left, to allow the Chiefs to run the clock down.
''It was a statement that we've got confidence to go for the win,'' said quarterback Matt Cassel.
While fans in Kansas City are celebrating a great start to the season, the tone in Cleveland could go from bad to worse. Without starting quarterback Jake Delhomme, who injured his ankle in last week's loss
to the lowly Buccaneers, the Browns slumped to 0-2, putting the pressure on coach Eric Mangini.
With upcoming games against Baltimore, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Pittsburgh and New Orleans, all possible playoff teams, Mangini knows that he faces an uphill battle to keep his job.
''I'm disappointed for all of us because the result should be different, but until we change the self-inflicted wounds, it's going to be hard. It's going to be hard week in and week out,'' said Mangini.
While Mangini and the Browns will be happy to get to their bye week with a win, the Chiefswill be looking to get to the bye undefeated, with the stuttering 49ers coming to visit in week three before the
Chiefs take their week off.
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