Stefanski: Browns have goal-line reach rule but no blame for 'warrior' Higgins

The Cleveland Browns' first playoff run in 18 years came to a dramatic end Sunday, with the Kansas City Chiefs holding on to win 22-17 despite losing Patrick Mahomes to a second-half injury.

The play the Browns will likely be thinking about all offseason came with the AFC North club driving deep in Chiefs territory near the end of the first half, down 16-3.

Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield completed a 25-yard pass to Rashard Higgins, only for the wideout to fumble the ball into the end zone while reaching for the pylon. Kansas City took possession via touchback thanks to one of the NFL's most controversial rules and extended its lead with a quick field goal.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said postgame that his team has a rule against players reaching for the pylon in those situations, but he didn't blame Higgins for "an unfortunate play."

"Rashard Higgins is a warrior," he said, per Camryn Justice of WEWS. "He's battled all season long.

"I'm never going to doubt that kid's effort."

Cleveland cut Kansas City's lead to five while Mahomes was sidelined for a concussion evaluation.

But after Stefanski punted with just under five minutes to go, the Chiefs were able to run out the clock following a big third-down run from backup quarterback Chad Henne and a subsequent bold fourth-and-inches call that saw Tyreek Hill catch a short pass. Kansas City will now take on the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game.