Patriots, Browns Key Matchups, Who Has the Razor's Edge?

Browns RBs vs NE Front Seven – Razor’s Edge Cleveland
The Cleveland running game is the key from the Brown’s perspective to winning not just this matchup but the game. They’ll have to have significant success running the ball, and keeping NE’s offense on the bench. With Isaiah Crowell, the Browns have a big back who can not only grind out the tough yards inside but if he gets to the second level is a back who can get big plays every time he touches the ball. Crowell has run for 386 yards and is averaging 6.4-yards per rush with three TDs in 2016.

The Patriots had been doing a good job of stopping the run until a week ago against Buffalo. There they frequently were in good position to stop LeSean McCoy and Tyrod Taylor at or behind the line of scrimmage but the tackling was poor and they were gashed for 134 yards. The key here will be limiting Crowell and forcing the ball into Kessler’s hands.

The Browns will get some yards with Crowell, Duke Johnson and Terrelle Pryor getting some touches. New Browns head coach Hue Jackson wanted to establish a run-first approach and they’ve done that. The question is, will it be enough to keep the game close enough for four quarters?

Browns WRs vs NE Secondary- Razor’s Edge New England
Cleveland doesn’t have a dynamic passing attack. Kessler, due to injuries, was pressed into starting after both Robert W. Griffin III and Josh McCown went down with injuries. They have the multi-talented Pryor on the outside with the talented tight end Gary Barnidge and Duke Johnson out of the backfield. But not much else. They really could’ve used the talented but troubled Josh Gordon as a big-time playmaker with the offense but he’s entered rehab.

The Patriots made the curious (and poor) decision to play soft and give a limited passing offense in Buffalo plenty of room to throw the ball underneath. That was a major factor in them losing the game. I’d expect them to bracket Pryor underneath with a corner and over the top with a safety. This is a week to pin their ears back some with the pass rush against an OL that has allowed 11 sacks.

Expect the Browns to open the playbook and throw the kitchen sink at the Patriots in this one. Pryor will take snaps at both WR and QB and he’ll be the guy, in the passing game that they’ll have to stop. Look for the Patriots to get after Kessler in this one. DEs Jabaal Sheard, Chris Long, and Trey Flowers will be bolstered by the return of Rob Ninkovich in this one. The secondary is more than capable enough to handle this passing attack.

Special Teams-Razor’s Edge New England
The Patriots are getting some outstanding work by punter Ryan Allen who turned in his second outstanding game in a row against the Bills. He’s been excellent at pinning the opposition down deep in their zone. Stephen Gostkowski missed another field goal attempt on Sunday and is 6-8 for the season. But Gostkowski has the decided edge over Browns replacement kicker Cody Parkey who missed three field goals in the game against Miami, including a potential game-winner at the end of regulation.

Cleveland’s return game has largely been stuck in neutral thus far and their coverage units haven’t been solid allowing close to twice what the Patriots coverage units have been averaging. If rookie Cyrus Jones can hold onto the ball this week, he should find some room to run.

Next up, who wins and why…

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About Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

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