Spreadsheet Warriors: Browns

The latest newsletter from KCSN Sports Data Scientist, Joseph Hefner

The Jameis Winston experience is like none other in football. Nobody knows what is going to happen from one game to another. For that matter, nobody knows from play to play, either. He’s a gunslinging artist, and it does not matter if his brush paints his own team or the opponent.

The Chiefs defense was the recipient of his artistry, catching three interceptions from Jameis, and one from his understudy, Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Trent McDuffie nabbed the first interception of his career. Bryan Cook and Nick Bolton also got one each, as did rookie Jaden Hicks. Charles Omenihu also strip-sacked Jameis, with Drue Tranquill recovering. To round out the incredible six (6!) turnovers, Samaje Perine recovered a fumble on a punt return in the first quarter.

It was a great day for the defense. On offense? Not so much. The Chiefs struggled mightily to move the chains and keep drives going. Two of their touchdowns came off of turnovers deep in Browns territory (CLE 34 and CLE 21). Nine of the Chiefs fourteen drives went for 6 or fewer plays, and 24 or fewer yards, and ended in punts. Nine drives. They had four consecutive drives in the second half that went for a total of 10 yards, combined.