Hi Ron.
First, I am not an auto mechanic- just a guy with the occasional busted knuckles.
I would imagine that any foreign debris could cause an issue like this if it prevents the valves from opening\closing fully. It could allow gases to escape via the stuck valve during the combustion stroke.
Maybe the debris is effecting the spark plug’s ability to ignite? I guess it’s even possible the bits change the fuel-air mixture since the cylinder’s volume has changed.