PATRIOTS (3-1) VS. BROWNS (0-4)
SUNDAY, 1 P.M. ET, FIRST ENERGY STADIUM uTV: CBS, DIRECTV 705
Announcers: Greg Gumbel, Trent Green, Jamie Erdahl
About the Patriots: After playing two backup quarterbacks and dealing with injuries to both, the Patriots get back from his four-game Deflategate suspension. The Patriots went from pitching a shutout in Week 3 to being shut out last week by the Buffalo Bills, but Brady’s return marks a new start with the usual high expectations. The Patriots hope TE (hamstring) will soon be back to full speed, and they added TE in the offseason hoping he’d team with Gronkowski to form a productive duo in the middle of the field. RB is off to a strong start and led the NFL in rushing heading into last week, and LB has been the headline player on a defense allowing 15 points per game. The Patriots trust in their systems, coaches and elite quarterback. At full strength, they’ll again be a Super Bowl contender.
About the Browns: Progress will continue to be marked by the growth of the offense and the development of young players, because this roster isn’t good enough to win many games. The Browns are on their third quarterback, rookie and though they’ve been competitive in the last three games into the fourth quarter, they’ve faltered because of turnovers and/or defensive failures. RB comes into the game second in the NFL in rushing, and WR
is making a successful position transition while making cameo appearances as a quarterback. The Browns have been hit hard by injuries and had to do plenty of shuffling. Tom Brady will make his 2016 debut after serving a four-game suspension.
The Browns will have to play a nearly perfect game to keep it close against the Patriots.
Matchup to watch: Patriots OLB Jabaal Sheard vs. Browns LT Joe Thomas: Sheard, a former Brown, leads the Patriots in sacks with three. The Patriots want to see more from their pass rush, and Sheard will get a test against Thomas, who’s on his way to his 10th consecutive Pro Bowl. The Browns will need to give Kessler a clean pocket to give him
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
a chance to beat the Patriots with the pass.
His return will draw national attention, and he’s eager to get back onto the field and move forward. The Patriots were more run-heavy with Brady out, and though they’ve proved to be adaptable in the past, offensive coordinator
is glad to have Brady back and get the chance to do more in the passing game.
The Browns rank first in rushing yards. With a rookie quarterback, it’s no secret they’ll try to rely on the run game to chew up clock and keep Brady and the Patriots offense off the field.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Let it fly: The return of Brady will allow the Patriots to open things up and attack all over the field. Though the Browns’ pass rush has improved the last couple weeks, it has been susceptible to big passing plays and allowed three touchdown passes last week.
2. He’s the one: The Patriots pride themselves on limiting the opponent’s top option, and for the Browns’ first four games that has been Pryor. The Patriots almost signed Pryor last fall but now know he’s getting passes thrown his way and will line up at quarterback and all over the field.
3. Grind it out: Crowell’s play has been one of the few real positives for the Browns. He’s hitting holes with confidence and showing enough burst to get into the open field. The Browns want to keep the chains moving and keep Brady off the field, and Crowell having success is key to that.
Zac Jackson