Cleveland Browns

Week 5: Patriots - Browns Preview and Prediction

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:01 p.m. ET

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Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Guess who’s back?

That’s correct ladies and gentleman.

New England Patriots QB Tom Brady is set to make his season debut against the Cleveland Browns (0-4). This game is highly anticipated because of the build up to it.

Thanks to the aftermath of Deflategate, Brady was forced to sit the first four games of the season. The Patriots have gone 3-1 during that time, and will now get a significant boost thanks to the return of their Hall of Fame QB.

Condolences have been sent from fans around the world for the Browns, as most expect Brady to play pissed off. Of course, the NFL knows, an angry Brady is a scary Brady.

Tom Brady vs. the Cleveland Browns

Quick Stats

Next: Matchup and Players to Watch

Sep 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) is congratulated after taking down Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

5 Bold Predictions for Patriots vs. Browns

Matchup to Watch

Patriots Front Seven vs Cleveland OL/RBs

For the second straight week for the Patriots, the front seven is the biggest matchup of the game.

After underperforming last week against the Bills (on 10 days of rest), the defense is due a bounce back game. DT Vincent Valentine suffered a back injury last game, so the DT position does take a hit there, however, they get a boost in the return of ED Rob Ninkovich. His leadership and versatility should be able to help, especially in the run game.

Browns QB Cody Kessler is not much of a scrambling QB, but is able to run out if need be. If the Patriots can get ahead quick and stop the Browns run game, it will not be a fun day of their offense.

Players to Watch

Isaiah Crowell

RB Isaiah Crowell has the 2nd most rushing yards through 4 games with 394 yards (LeGarrette Blount sits in 3rd with 352).

The more impressive stat is he has averaged an insane 6.5 YPC.

One would be led to believe Bill Belichick and Matt Patricia have to be game planning around limiting him on ground. The Patriots, again, have been inconsistent against the rush. At times, they have not been able to properly tackle players and it has led to extra yards.

If the defense (specifically the front seven) cannot wrap up Crowell, he will make them pay, similar to what David Johnson and LeSean McCoy did in previous matchups this season.

Terrelle Pryor

QB/RB/WR Terrelle Pryor is one of the most versatile on the Browns roster. Pryor has come along great as a receiver since his transition from a QB.

The Patriots could have signed him last season, but opted to trade for WR Keshawn Martin, who is no longer on the roster. With Josh Gordon off to rehab, Pryor will be looked at to receive the most targets. He listed at 6’4, 223 lbs so expect CB Logan Ryan to shadow him during this game.

Sep 1, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on during warmups prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

X-Factor

Yes.

Brady is the X-factor here.

Why?

Brady sat out the first 4 games. Yes, he is still Tom Brady, however, it would be foolish to think he will have a stat line of 22-25, 465 yards and 5TDs.

He has a full week of practice to rebuild rapport with his old and new receivers, but is that enough time to immediately put up the numbers that he usually has year in and year out? It is completely possible he has some rust and miscommunication on some plays.

However, another argument can be made that Brady is just fine following a controversy.

Keys to the Game

Limiting Damage on the Ground

The Browns don’t have down field threats in the passing game, so the Patriots must focus on stopping the run game. Should they not be able to stop Crowell and Duke Johnson, it could be a long afternoon for the defense.

Easy Does It

Not that Brady doesn’t already know the offense, but getting Brady used to full-game speed in the regular season is best, especially considering the rest of the players on the field have a four-game lead on him.

Expect for the Patriots to have a mix of a slow paced, death by 1000 cuts drive and quick-tempo offense. No offense to the Browns of course, but for the Brady to face their secondary, it’s the best case scenario for him to be able to play against.

Third Down Defense

The Patriots have struggled with this all season long, as they now rank near the bottom in the NFL. If the defense cannot get off the field, they will be tired early, especially with the Browns able to run the ball.

This is something that needs to be addressed, and fixed as the season progresses. Perhaps that could change if the Patriots decide to go back to man coverage over zone.

Health

The Patriots have fortunately been able to dodge a couple bullets this season, but it seems like a new player gets dinged up after each game so far this season. More injuries will only derail what could be a very promising season.

Sep 1, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDanials looks on with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) in the second half at MetLife Stadium. The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-9. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

Previous Matchup

27-26 Patriots (2013)

The big highlight of this game, besides the fact the Patriots escaped with a narrow win, is they lost TE Rob Gronkowski for the rest of the season after a low hit from S T.J. Ward.

After losing Gronkowski, this game really wasn’t pretty for the offense, as they had only scored 3 points up until the end of the third quarter. Following a Jordan Cameron TD, the Browns went up 26-14 with 2:39 left to play in the fourth. It seemed like it was over, until Brady worked some of his magic.

The offense stormed down the field and scored with a minute left to play. Thanks to an on-side kick, the Patriots were back in business. After what was somewhat of a controversial DPI, the offense were set up at the goal line, and eventually punched it in with :35 seconds left.

The Browns did get the ball back and had to kick a 58-yard FG, but it was luckily short.

Final Prediction

In Brady’s first game back, the Patriots there are two possible scenarios:

Regardless of what happens during this game, whether it’s a win or loss, the Patriots have to be happy they get their starting QB back.

Although, it’s fair to say the Browns, who are 0-4 for a reason, probably won’t be a match for the Patriots.

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