Patriots-Browns Ups & Downs: A virtually perfect performance

Author Matt Dolloff

November 14th, 2021 4:25 PM

Well, it’s virtually impossible to find anything wrong with that one.

We have a couple nitpicks on the Patriots from an otherwise dominating day at Gillette Stadium. This was a huge game for both the Patriots and Browns in terms of playoff positioning, and after a good opening drive by the Browns, the Pats took over and never let up. This was a total beatdown by the team with far better coaching.

After the Browns’ first, last and only touchdown in the first quarter, the Patriots scored 45 unanswered points and stymied the Browns on both sides of the ball. The defense flummoxed Baker Mayfield with pressure and tight coverage, and the offense executed perhaps its best game of the season. It was definitely the game of the year for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

So after an ass-kicking like that, it has to be mostly thumbs up. We have four “ups” and two minor “downs” to go over after the Patriots’ most impressive performance of the season.

• UP: QB Mac Jones

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  It looked like Jones was hitting the rookie wall in his previous two games, but back in the friendly confines of Gillette Stadium, Jones roared back with a vengeance. Sunday was the first three-touchdown game of Jones’ career, and the rookie was a ruthlessly efficient 19-for-23 throwing (82.6 percent) with no turnovers - a 142.1 passer rating. The Patriots would be a tough out against anybody in the conference with Jones and the defense playing like they did against Cleveland.

• DOWN: OT Isaiah Wynn

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  Wynn allowed an early sack and also committed a hands-to-the-face penalty that made life harder for the offense. But this is ultimately a nitpick. Myles Garrett is gonna make plays at some point. But just a so-so afternoon for the left tackle, who stayed in his spot despite the return of Trent Brown.

• UP: DT Christian Barmore

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  The rookie has been good in every game and seems to be getting a little bit better and more disruptive every week. Whenever Baker Mayfield looked uncomfortable or rushed a throw, it was often because he had Barmore in his face. And the rookie was doing this against a talented and experienced offensive line for Cleveland. Barmore ought to get a game ball for this one.
• DOWN: Punt Return Unit

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  The Patriots seemed to really miss punt returner Gunner Olszewski. They got pinned inside their own 10-yard line three times and had no punt returns at all. The offense made up for the poor field position with some impressively long drives, but this was certainly a game that unit would like to have back. Guess that’s what happens when you lose a First Team All-Pro.

• UP: TE Hunter Henry

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  Only four catches for Henry, but two of them were touchdowns and another was a nice extension to snag one for a 19-yard gain. With Jones in the game, Henry played 55 out of 58 offensive snaps. They needed to lean on him with Jonnu Smith out, and Henry delivered. He’s getting better every week - and, thus, becoming a true Patriot right before our eyes.

• UP: RB Rhamondre Stevenson

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  It’s getting tenuous at the running back position for the Patriots, so it was a welcome sight to see Stevenson touch the ball 24 times, and do legit damage with it. The rookie totaled 114 yards from scrimmage and scored two touchdowns, and had a chance for a third but dropped a pass. That was the only blemish on an otherwise strong day for Stevenson.

Programming note: Next Ups & Downs come on Friday night, with the Patriots playing the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football.

Click here for complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at [email protected].

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Author Matt Dolloff

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