The Patriots are back to .500 at 3-3, after coming out of Cleveland with a 38-15 road blowout win over the Browns. Here’s who we graded “UP” or “DOWN” based on their performance in the game…
UP: S Kyle Dugger
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 16: Donovan Peoples-Jones #11 of the Cleveland Browns stiff arms Kyle Dugger #23 of the New England Patriots during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Dugger was a major factor in a strong defensive performance for the second week in a row. He finished with a team-high eight tackles and two pass breakups, one of which was his interception on the Browns’ first possession.
He got beat for one big catch, but that’s a small blemish on an otherwise excellent day for what looks and feels like a rising star at safety.
DOWN: OT Isaiah Wynn
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 16: Bailey Zappe #4 of the New England Patriots fumbles the ball while being hit by Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Wynn committed a false start, let Myles Garrett blow by him for a strip sack, and found himself mostly on the bench in the second half. This could be the week that the starting right tackle job really tilts in Marcus Cannon’s favor.
UP: WR Tyquan Thornton
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 16: Cole Strange #69 of the New England Patriots celebrates with Tyquan Thornton #11 of the New England Patriots after Thornton’s touchdown during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Thornton didn’t follow blockers around the edge and cut back inside to a sea of defenders for an easy tackle early on, but was productive from there on out. Thornton ended up with seven total touches for 53 yards and two touchdowns, one on a pass from Bailey Zappe and another on a jet sweep.
The rookie is quickly coming on after making his NFL debut in Week 5. If Nelson Agholor (hamstring) and Kendrick Bourne (toe) remain injured, Thornton could quickly become a big factor on offense.
DOWN: OT Trent Brown
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 16: Bailey Zappe #4 of the New England Patriots attempts a pass during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The left tackle didn’t have his best day overall. He allowed a fourth-quarter sack to Myles Garrett and also committed two penalties (false start, holding). His job should be safe, unlike Wynn, but Brown is certainly capable of cleaner football.
UP: DE Deatrich Wise Jr.
Oct 16, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) looks for an open receiver against the New England Patriots in the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
This was arguably the best game of Wise’s career. He finished with a sack, QB hit, forced fumble, batted pass, and three tackles. He made other big plays that won’t show up on the basic stat sheet, like the pressure on Jacoby Brissett that led to Kyle Dugger’s first-quarter interception, as well as a third-and-1 incompletion and the Browns’ failed two-point try in the fourth quarter.
Wise was a monster from start to finish for the Patriots, and continues to make a big difference as a secondary pass-rusher behind Matthew Judon.
DOWN: K Nick Folk
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 16: Nick Folk #6 of the New England Patriots reacts after missing a field goal during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The veteran missed a field goal under 50 yards for the first time in 65 attempts, with a miss from 45. A relative nitpick, especially since it would’ve been 35 yards if not for an intentional grounding penalty for Zappe. But the kick had a chance to put the Patriots up three scores, so it wasn’t an ideal time for Folk to go wide right.
UP: LB Matthew Judon
Oct 16, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) runs the ball against the New England Patriots in the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Ho-hum. We’re getting to the point where we might have to grade Judon on a curve. His sack streak is over after five games, but he still registered a QB hit and four total tackles. And he’s opening up opportunities for others to make plays up front, too. Judon remains on an All-Pro pace through six weeks.
NEUTRAL: QB Bailey Zappe
Oct 16, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) throws the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
As tempted as we may be to give Zappe an “UP” after finishing 24-of-34 for 309 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions – a 118.4 passer rating – the rookie also lost a fumble (not entirely his fault) and looked shaky for much of the first half. He held the ball too long when Hunter Henry illegally came back in bounds to commit a penalty, and his accuracy was spotty.
Zappe got his confidence back after a touchdown pass to Tyquan Thornton and played well in the second half, but there were enough hiccups in here to rate him neither up nor down. He also committed penalties for intentional grounding and delay of game. This game was more about the defense and coaching staff than the quarterback.
Next Patriots Ups & Downs will come after the Pats return to Foxboro to take on the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football in Week 7. Click here for complete Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.
