Chiefs complete second half comeback to win preseason finale
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Kansas City offense did not get off to a hot start in Saturday's preseason finale against Cleveland, but the group put up two touchdowns and a field goal in the second half to complete a comeback win. The Chiefs came out on top, 33-32.
MVP Patrick Mahomes did not play in the win against the Browns, as Shane Buechele got the start. The former Texas quarterback was coming off of a standout outing against the Cardinals, where he went 10-10 for 105 yards, along with one rushing touchdown. However, Chiefs fans did not see similar results from him on Saturday. Buechele went 8-17 with just 89 yards and two interceptions.
Mizzou football alum Blaine Gabbert took the reigns, following Buechele's exit. He went 10-18 for 169 yards and two touchdowns. He did record one interception in the win. After KC trailed 22-10, Gabbert threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to La'Mical Perine, just before halftime, to put Kansas City back in the ball game, within a touchdown.
After the break, Gabbert hit Ihmir Smith-Marsette for another touchdown to make it a 29-23 game, still in favor of the Browns. After the Mizzou alum's time came to an end, quarterback Matt Bushman got KC a one-point lead with a touchdown pass to Chris Oladokun in the third quarter.
The Browns charged down the field to take back a 32-30 lead in the fourth quarter, however, the Chiefs did the same. Bushman led Kansas City 49 yards down field to give Harrison Butker a shot at a 44 yard field goal, which he drilled.
The game marked the end of the 2023 preseason. Next up - it's time for a big roster cut. Head coach Andy Reid and company will dwindle down the 90-man roster to just 53 guys on Aug. 29.