Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins (left) tries to push the ball over the goal against Chiefs free safety Daniel Sorensen Sunday in Kansas City. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Browns victims of 'worst rule in football' in unlucky first half vs. Chiefs

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 1/17/21

Just as the Cleveland Browns were about to make it a football game on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, they were hit by the "worst rule in football."

Right before halftime, Rashard Higgins caught a pass from Baker Mayfield, raced toward the pylon, stretched out for a touchdown and fumbled just before getting into the end zone. The ball rolled into the end zone and went out of bounds for a touchback, giving the Chiefs the ball at the 20-yard line.

From potential TD to touchback

(via @NFLBrasil) pic.twitter.com/in0mtlXC38
— ESPN (@espn) January 17, 2021

What made the call even worse was that Chiefs safety Daniel Sorensen initiated contact with his helmet and should've been called for a penalty, but the officials missed it. The penalty isn't reviewable.

If the touchback rule didn't exist or if the Chiefs were penalized, the Browns would've likely cut Kansas City's lead 16-10. Instead, the Chiefs entered halftime up 19-3 thanks to a field goal by Harrison Butker.

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