KC Chiefs vs. Browns: Overlooked heroes from the season-opening win

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 12: Mike Hughes #21 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Daniel Sorensen #49 and Malik Herring #97 against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 12: Mike Hughes #21 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Daniel Sorensen #49 and Malik Herring #97 against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Jan 17, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Chris Lammons (45) kneels on field before the AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Chris Lammons (45) kneels on field before the AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Lammons

Before the game began on Sunday, the Chiefs made out their list of inactive players to the surprise of many. While the bulk of attention was on the status of Tyrann Mathieu and Frank Clark, another smaller shock came in seeing cornerback Deandre Baker also sitting out this game after having been healthy and practicing all week. This meant Chris Lammons was active (along with Zayne Anderson).

The Chiefs love Lammons, however, as a special teams player who provides the sort of overlooked and underappreciated plays that form the glue of the game.

Consider this example. Late in the game, the Browns forced the Chiefs to punt after Myles Garrett sacked Patrick Mahomes on a third-and-long situation that gave the Browns a very real chance to win the game. Tommy Townsend punted the ball all the way to the Browns 13-yard line where rookie returner Demetric Felton was waiting for the ball. As he took off, only one player was coming within range to make a play of any kind at all. And despite having the advantage, Felton only made it four yards as Lammons made a stellar tackle in punt return coverage.

We were weren’t the only ones impressed. After the game, Lammons teammate started a premature campaign for him to make the Pro Bowl.

Lammons was solid in limited action during the game and his strong execution late helped the Chiefs seal the deal. It’s an overlooked play but Tyrann is banging the drum for us not to forget. We agree.