The Patriots and the Browns met today at Gillette Stadium both sitting at 5-4. With both teams hopeful for the playoffs at this point, this in conference game had a lot of implications for the standings.
The first drive of the game was strugglesome for the Patriots defense, allowing some big runs to let the Browns get down the field. After some stout defense in the red zone, the Browns were able to score on a fourth and goal with a pass from Baker Mayfield to tight end Austin Hooper.
The Patriots responded with a touchdown of their own on their opening drive. The trip lasted nine minutes of game time and established both the run and the pass. Mac Jones threw a touchdown to tight end Hunter Henry to cap it off. This well executed first drive was just the start to an explosive day by the Patriots offense.
With the game now 7-7, it was all Patriots from that point forward. Mayfield was intercepted by safety Kyle Duggar on the following Browns drive which he returned a good distance, only five yards from the goal line. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson scored on the very next play, one of his two touchdowns on the day in a game with Damien Harris inactive. It was a big day for Stevenson as the lead back, totaling 100 yards on 20 carries.
The Patriots defense simply did not give much up. Aside from that first drive, the defense played a perfect game. In addition to the takeaway, the defense forced three punts and had five sacks on the day. While the Browns were missing their elite running back Nick Chubb, this level of defensive control and consistency is encouraging for the Patriots.
Mac Jones threw three touchdowns in the game, first time he has done so in his young career. He went 19/23 on the game and was highly accurate with the ball. The first touchdown thrown by Jones to Henry was a soft, over the shoulder boundary throw that was soft and perfectly led into the tight-end’s hands with no play for the defender to make. His good play helps open up the running attack and thus the play action game. Jones and offensive coordinator Josh Mcdaniels seem to have built an identity for this offense that has found success in recent weeks.
Some garbage time scores for the Patriots iced the game and ended 45-7. First the Chargers and now the Browns, the Patriots have added another win against an AFC playoff hopeful team. This bodes well for their own playoff destiny, as they look to
move up the standings past teams like these. With a short week upcoming and a Thursday night game against an explosive Falcon’s offense, good health from this game will be big. Nonetheless quick turnarounds to Thursday night games can be tough for teams, so winning this one at home is good in case of a dud on Thursday night.
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