Botched punt by Browns opens door for Chiefs’ comeback in cruel Cleveland-like twist of fate

The Browns had the reigning AFC champions on the ropes with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense struggling out of the gate to start the season.

Kansas City found itself down 22-10 at halftime, having just scored its first touchdown since last season’s AFC title game.

But the Chiefs found their rhythm in the second half and began working their way back before taking their first lead of the day late in the fourth quarter after a botched special teams play by the Browns helped set up the game-winning score.

MORE: ‘That’s sewage’ — pipe bursts over fans at FedEx Field

A bad snap and a late grab by Cleveland punter Jamie Gillan on what was already fourth-and-13 turned into a disaster for the Browns. Kansas City took over on the Browns’ 15-yard line, setting up an eight-yard touchdown by Travis Kelce to put the the Chiefs up 33-29. Kansas City failed to convert the 2-point conversion but held on to win.

Gillian’s gaffe is the latest letdown for Browns fans, including LeBron James, who entered the season with high expectations as one of the favorites in the AFC after nearly upsetting the Chiefs in their divisional playoff meeting last season. They’ll need to wait a little longer to avenge that loss.