This week the Browns will play the Patriots. A season ago the two teams played and the Patriots won in a lopsided affair 45-7. That Patriots defense gave the Browns offense fits all game long. Limited then starting quarterback Baker Mayfield. However, in that game, the Browns played without top running backs, Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. For this game, the Browns are relatively healthy. Although, Denzel Ward and Jadeveon Clowney are out. The Browns, however, gain Greedy Williams back off IR. This game may become an old-school physical run-heavy game.
Browns Defense
The Browns defense will have their hands full going against this Patriots offense. That is because Patriots head coach Bill Belichick knows very well how to pick a weakness and attack it. For this Browns defense having issues stopping the run in recent weeks. He will look to attack the run defense. They must limit their ability to run, play physically and make tackles. Missed tackles will not fly in this game. The Patriots average 4.6 yards a rush and the Browns gave up 5 yards a rush last week. In a win over the Detroit Lions, they rushed for 176 yards. This game will likely be run-heavy on both sides of the ball. In this game, the defense needs to stay disciplined and be patient otherwise the Patriots will expose their aggressiveness.
Browns Offense
A season ago this Browns offense only scored seven points. Missing top offensive players as stated above contributed to only scoring 7 points. Belichick will do his very best to try and limit the Browns best offensive players. The Patriots defense will also take away what you do best as an offense. However, Cleveland must play their game be patient and take what is given. If the Patriots are playing the run well then they must commit to it and allow it to open up the rest of their offensive game. Even if the run game doesn’t seem promising it will open up. The Patriots allow 4.8 rush yards a game and allow 5.5 yards a play. Cleveland averages 5.3 yards a rush and 6.6 yards a play. Along with the run game, they must also limit mistakes such as interceptions. Then above all other players must step up and make plays on the offensive end.
Special Teams
For the special teams, the first and probably most important is Cade York must make his kicks. As well Kevin Stefanski must give him in-game opportunities to practice making kicks. This game could be low scoring and all about field position. So sometimes you must punt the ball and flip the field position. This unit must be a positive factor for this team. As well they must limit mistakes like muffed kicks and almost fumbled punts. If not this team will take advantage of those mishaps. Finally, the special teams unit must make an impact on this game.
New England Patriots
This Patriots team coming in will be well-coached and disciplined. Throw records aside the Patriots will play above and beyond what the season record says so far. Their game plan will be to run the ball non-stop and probably mix in a lot of play-action. Along with some misdirection plays to take advantage of the Browns aggressiveness on defense. Belichick will try to neutralize the opponent’s top weapons on offense and defense. They will do everything in their power to stop the run because that’s what the Browns do best. Nick Chubb, Amari Cooper, Myles Garrett, and David Njoku, will be candidates to draw the significant attention of Bill Belichick.
Conclusion
For this game, the most important factor to remember is to stay disciplined on both sides of the ball. One mistake could turn the entire game upside down for the Browns. However, on the defensive side of the ball, they must take the ball away. Again as said earlier the best players for the Browns will try and be neutralized. So the Browns must limit what the Patriots can do in the run game. Limit their best players. The Patriots offense isn’t elite and can be completely shut down. However, the question is can the Browns defense do it? Playmakers must step up and impact the game. Lastly, the Browns must play physically and go out and get a much-needed win.
Check out our shop.
Subscribe to our Newsletter.
