This is a pretty big game between two teams that are 2-3 on the season. The next month is going to determine the direction of both the Browns and the Patriots. New England is coming off a pretty impressive 29-0 win over the Detroit Lions heading to Cleveland to take on the league’s best running game. Here are 5 thoughts.
Stuffing Chubb
Jonathan Jones of the New England Patriots forces Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns to fumble in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
The Patriots have played well on the road this season. Look for them to respond again against Nick Chubb, one of the best running backs in the league. Bill Belichick is really good at taking the one thing that other teams do well out of the game plan, and that’s the focus on Chubb. They need to make Cleveland beat them through the air with Brissett.
Hang with Mr. Cooper
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 09: Jack Jones #13 of the New England Patriots intercepts a pass intended for T.J. Hockenson #88 of the Detroit Lions while Jahlani Tavai #48 of the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
The Browns do have Amari Cooper on the outside. Cooper looks a little older. I think he’s more sluggish in his route running, but he has been their most productive receiver. Cleveland has a lot of talent on offense and Jacoby Brissett has done a really good job managing the game.
Clog the Middle
David Njoku is a pretty good tight end so it’s going to be another challenge for the middle of the Patriots defensive. Guys like Adrian Phillips, Kyle Dugger and Devin McCourty will need to keep Njoku in check.
Pound the Rock
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The Patriots need to continue to pound the rock with the Rhamondre Stevenson Obviously the running game is going very well for New England, which has allowed Zappe to use play action.
Zappe Time
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 09: Bailey Zappe #4 of the New England Patriots calls a play during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
I do think it’s one more week of Bailey Zappe as we type this. Going with Zappe buys Mac Jones another eight days with next week’s game being on Monday night against the Chicago Bears. Look for the Patriots to respond again and to get their record to three and three with what I would call a ten point win in Cleveland.
