Here are some crucial matchups that the Patriots must win against the Browns
The Patriots were able to get a very important win against the Lions. New England is currently 2-3, and it’s crucial that they start stringing together some wins. The Browns are without Deshaun Watson, and they are starting Jacoby Brissett. However, they will need to win these matchups in order to get to 3-3.
Patriots’ Cornerbacks Against Browns’ Receivers
While the Browns don’t have Deshaun Watson, they certainly do have offensive power. Over the off-season the Browns got themselves a true number one receiver in Amari Cooper, and he’s the receiver that’s likely going to hurt the Patriots. Donovan Peoples-Jones is also a productive receiver. Winning this matchup is extremely important for the Patriots. The Browns are a run first team, and if Jack Jones and Jonathan Jones are able to limit Cooper and Jones, they are making the Browns one dimensional.
The number one priority should be Amari Cooper. Cooper has had a terrific season so far with 304 receiving yards with three touchdowns. He was also able to torch J.C. Jackson when he was matched up with him. Cooper against the Chargers finished with 76 yards and a touchdown. New England definitely has the potential to win this matchup, as their star rookie cornerback Jack Jones, has a PFF defensive rating of 90.4
Patriots’ Linebackers Against The Browns Running Backs
The Patriots have one of the running back duos in the league with Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson. New England is also facing one of the best running back duos in the league in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. As mentioned before, the Browns are a run-first team, and it’s incredibly hard to stop them.
Nick Chubb is playing as well as ever, with 98 carries for 593 yards, with an average of 6.1 yards per carry. Nick Chubb has an incredible burst, and he’s already gotten multiple long touchdown runs this season. Kareem Hunt is playing a secondary role so far with 247 yards this season.
The Browns want to establish the run game and control the time of possession, especially since they have a game-manager quarterback with Jacoby Brissett. The most important players for this matchup for New England are Mack Wilson and Ja’Whuan Bentley. Both are fast linebackers who are great at tackling, and they will need to have a big game slowing down the run game. This will make the Browns one-dimensional and give New England the advantage.
Patriots Offensive Line Against The Browns’ Pass Rushers
The Browns have two very dynamic pass rushers in Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett. It is still unclear whether Mac or Zappe will start, but either way, New England’s offensive line will need to be at their best. So far into the season, Myles Garrett has recorded three sacks, but that can also be attributed to him being the player other teams focus on the most. Throughout his career, Garrett has recorded 61 sacks, and New England needs to make sure he isn’t able to dominate this game.
New England will also need to limit Clowney. While Clowney isn’t the explosive pass rusher Garrett is, he’s found a good role with the Browns. So far into the season, he’s had 1.5 sacks. Big games are needed from Isaiah Wynn and Trent Brown. Wynn especially, since this is likely his last year to prove to the Patriots to keep him. Wynn hasn’t had a great year so far, as he’s recorded multiple holding flags throughout the season. As a unit, the offensive line needs to be sharp.
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