10 things we’re watching in Patriots’ Week 8 matchup with Browns
The Patriots are hoping to extend their winning streak to five games this week against the Browns. “Road Warriors” for three straight weeks, the Patriots return home, where they have a 1-2 record. They’re trying to bring some of the success they’ve had in Miami, Buffalo, New Orleans and Tennessee back home. Here are 10 things we’re watching in Week 8: • This is by far the biggest test the offense will have faced all season. The Browns’ defense ranks third in EPA per play this season. The Patriots have not played a team so far this season that ranks in the top half of the league in EPA per play. The Panthers rank highest among the Patriots’ previous opponents at 17th. The Saints, Bills, Raiders, Steelers, Titans and Dolphins rank 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 25th, 28th and 31st, respectively. • Quarterback Drake Maye will likely have less time to get rid of the ball with edge defender Myles Garrett and defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Mason Graham coming after him. That could mean fewer deep balls. Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte acknowledged that they’re not just trying to beat the Browns’ cornerbacks but also the pass rushers. That means getting open quickly for Maye. • Garrett, who the Patriots have called one of the league’s best players this week, primarily rushes from the defensive right. That means Patriots rookie left tackle Will Campbell will face another major test this week. Campbell has been everything the Patriots could have hoped for so far this season, and his lack of arm length has not been a glaring issue. He could use some help from chipping tight ends on Sunday, however. • Rookie left guard Jared Wilson also has his work cut out for him against Collins and Graham. The Browns also could test the interior line by using Garrett on stunts. There’s some question as to whether the Patriots should sit Wilson and start Ben Brown at left guard. Wilson has been the weak spot of the Patriots’ starting offensive line and allowed at least two sacks in Week 7 against the Titans. It feels like the Patriots will want to play the long game with Wilson, however, and continue to start him to help his development. • It’s paramount for the Patriots’ offense and defense to get out to hot starts. An early lead would force the Brown to rely on rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who ranks last in the NFL in yards per attempt and intended air yards. Gabriel can’t keep up with Maye and the Patriots’ offense. If the Browns get out to an early lead, however, they can rely on rookie running back Quinshon Judkins to carry the load. • Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel spent last season with the Browns as a coaching and personnel consultant, helping out with the offensive line and tight ends. Will that help this week? “Absolutely, not just with the offensive line — that as well — but just with the scheme and what they’re thinking and down and distance and situational football,” OLB coach Mike Smith said this week. “Just today, before practice, he came in, and we’re just talking about a certain situation and what he thought about this, and if this could come up. And so that is a huge benefit of him being there for a year.” • The Patriots relied heavily on zone coverage last week against the Titans. In an attempt to start faster this week, it will be interesting if they turn to more man coverage. It’s a strength for Patriots cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III. Gabriel could have trouble targeting Jerry Jeudy and the rest of his receivers if Gonzalez and Davis are in tight coverage. The Patriots do have to worry about two athletic tight ends in Harold Fannin and David Njoku, however, too. • Vrabel said this week that the Patriots have to improve their early-down pass rush. Smith said this week that will require the Patriots’ pass rushers to react quicker when deciding if the Browns are passing or running, because they don’t want to get too far upfield when Judkins is carrying the ball. • The Patriots are dealing with injuries at safety. Jaylinn Hawkins missed two straight games, rookie Craig Woodson was absent from Wednesday’s practice and Kyle Dugger was listed as questionable after popping up on the injury report late in the week. The Patriots don’t really have to worry about the deep ball from Gabriel in this game, since he’s such a conservative passer, but they will be relied upon to help out on tight ends. • The Patriots are favored by seven points, and the point total is 40.5. The Patriots might have some trouble moving the ball on the Browns, but the defense should settle against Gabriel. Patriots 24-10.
