The Pats were surprisingly dominant in last week’s outing versus the Detroit Lions. They executed on all levels and were rewarded with a shutout win versus the number one offense in football.
With a third-string quarterback, the Patriots offense looked capable. Bailey Zappe completed all but four of his passes and scored a touchdown. Sure, there’s that ugly interception blemish on his stat line. But if Nelson Agholor wasn’t getting the snaps that Kendrick Bourne deserves, it wouldn’t have happened.
This week, they look forward to a date with another impressive offense in the Cleveland Browns. Who are averaging 200 yards a game on the ground between Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. No Deshaun Watson? No problem. Ex-Patriot Jacoby Brissett has done a fine job captaining the ship in the pervert’s absence. He’s completed 64 percent of his passes, throwing for north of 1,000 yards and six touchdowns.
This matchup last year was a disaster class for Cleveland. They were missing half of their lineup due to injury and COVID-19 outbreaks and the Patriots slaughtered them 45-7. This time? It’s the Patriots who are riddled with injuries. Quarterback Mac Jones is practicing but his status is still to be determined for Sunday. Running back Damien Harris is going to miss some time. Lawrence Guy is still dealing with a shoulder injury.
So, the Pats still have some things to figure out by the time kickoff begins on Sunday. But the preview doesn’t delay for anything! Set it up, Bailey! Let’s get this week’s Pats Preview underway.
Three Keys to The Game
Key #1: Contain Chubb/Hunt
As we mentioned before, the Browns are THE best rushing offense in football. With backs like Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt as well as an elite offensive line, it is to be expected. What isn’t expected is just how much they’re clearing their competition. Posting 200 rushing yards a game. If the Patriots can keep them to 100, this would be considered an electric performance for the defense. Who are coming off an impressive outing against Detroit.
Though Nick Stefanski is not Dan Campbell. It’s unlikely he and Brissett will give you the mistakes that Campbell and Goff did last weekend. The margin of error is back to its usual thinness the Patriots have been used to. If they let Chubb and Hunt run wild, I don’t think they win a game of catchup. Whether it’s Zappe or McCorkle under center.
Key #2: Feed Rhamondre Stevenson
This game last year was Rhamondre Stevenson’s breakout game. In Damien Harris’s absence, Stevenson carried the ball 20 times for 100 yards and two touchdowns. The former Oklahoma Sooner is coming off of a career-high in all categories last week. They’ll need to rely upon the second year back heavily this weekend. And why not? He’s the best player on the Pats’ roster.
He’ll have rookies Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong behind him, but I’d expect another Dre Day in FirstEnergy Stadium this weekend. Not that we’re complaining, right?
Key #3: Force Jacoby Brissett to beat you
So, if you can make the Browns exit their comfort zone, they’re going to be forced to trust their backup quarterback. And sure, Jacoby Brissett is one of the better ones to have. But he’s still a backup. There’s a reason why he’s not making upwards of $20M with the big boys.
If the Patriots can force Cleveland to put the game in the hands of Brissett, that’s when you might get those opportunities. Jack Jones, we’re looking at you.
X-Factor: Rhamondre Stevenson
I hate to give this much attention to one player, but Stevenson is going to have to have a big day for the Pats. He is the definition of X-Factor. If he doesn’t perform? This offense goes kaput. Regardless of if it’s Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe at quarterback this weekend, it’s Rhamondre or bust for Matt Patricia.
He doesn’t have to post 161 yards on 25 carries, but he’ll have to dominate the trenches. With no Damien Harris, it’s how hard to see how often he’ll get a breather. It depends on how much Bill Belichick and the coaching staff trust their two rookies. But I’d be stunned if Stevenson gets less than 20 carries on Sunday. But he runs hard, I have no doubts that he’ll make the most of them.
Concluding Thoughts/Predictions
I was wrong for picking against the Pats last week in my preview. They shut down a team that was ultimately poorly coached. Unfair advantage for the Patriots to have Belichick while the Lions trotted out Dan Campbell. It’s hard going against the greatest game planner who ever lived.
But last week proved to me the Pats can beat anybody. And I think the Cleveland Browns aren’t an exception. A talented team sure, with a far better defense than the Lions, but not impossible. And I’ll bet on the Patriots to come out victorious in another high-stakes matchup. This is the soft part of their schedule; they have to execute from here on out before things get tough around Thanksgiving.
Final Score: 27-21, Patriots win (Advance to 3-3)
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