Why CLE will make it interesting today vs. NE (1 Viewer)

[The Deathstar]

So most people expect another NE blowout today vs. the Browns. I say, not so fast! There are some key factors that will come into play that will keep this game closer than expected. Let's jump right in!

1. The Patriots defensive mantra is, "Keep the play in front of you," and Romeo knows it.

Every week on WEEI, Belichick regurgitates the same "keys to the game." Keeping the ball in front of the secondary is Priority #1 of defense. If Romeo can adjust, and capitalize on the short passing game, the Browns should be able to move the ball. They will need to alter Edwards' routes to better attack the middle of the Pats zone.

2. The Browns O-line is much improved, especially in pass protection.

Since Anderson has taken over at QB, he has done a better job utilizing his playmakers than Frye did as a starter. Braylon Edwards' numbers reflect that.

3. Assante Samuel is not a true lock down corner.

That's right, I said it! Samuel is a singular talent, no doubt - but he is no Champ Bailey or Deion Sanders. He is a ball hawking corner that likes to anticipate and jump routes. You don't rack up 10 interceptions if you are blanketing the opponents' #1 WR. Laverneous Coles had 2 TDs in Week 1 against the Pats. Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson combined for 11 receptions, 130 yards, and a TD in Week2. Housh and Chad were able to post 13/153/1 in Week 4. You can gain yardage through the air on this team, folks. If Samuel tries to jump routes on Braylon Edwards, he will get burned. Just ask the CB that have tried that to date.

4. If the Browns come out and establish a decent running game, Anderson will utilize play action to catch Edwards and Winslow in single coverage.

Jamal Lewis isn't even close to what he used to be, but he is doing a respectable job behind an improved offensive line. Lewis YPC is a little decieving at 4.9, as he has broken quite a few long runs; but the very fact he is breaking off those gallops is a vast improvement over the Browns RB last year. He is also starting to show he can be used as a goal line option when called upon.

5. Romeo Crennel won't make the same mistake other HC do against NE - blitzing too much.

Crennell knows one thing - rattling Brady is a tall order. He will likely have his front four apply as much pressure as possible, and rely on his linebackers and secondary to make plays.

With all that said, the Pats still come away with the win, but it will be close: NE 28, CLE 24

 

[Ditka is God]

Excellent post - thanks!

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

Paging eom, you're needed to dump ice water on this conversation. LOL

Nice post. I don't anticipate a win, but I don't anticipate an embarrassment either as a Browns fan.

 

[twitch]

So most people expect another NE blowout today vs. the Browns. I say, not so fast! There are some key factors that will come into play that will keep this game closer than expected. Let's jump right in!

1. The Patriots defensive mantra is, "Keep the play in front of you," and Romeo knows it.

Every week on WEEI, Belichick regurgitates the same "keys to the game." Keeping the ball in front of the secondary is Priority #1 of defense. If Romeo can adjust, and capitalize on the short passing game, the Browns should be able to move the ball. They will need to alter Edwards' routes to better attack the middle of the Pats zone.

2. The Browns O-line is much improved, especially in pass protection.

Since Anderson has taken over at QB, he has done a better job utilizing his playmakers than Frye did as a starter. Braylon Edwards' numbers reflect that.

3. Assante Samuel is not a true lock down corner.

That's right, I said it! Samuel is a singular talent, no doubt - but he is no Champ Bailey or Deion Sanders. He is a ball hawking corner that likes to anticipate and jump routes. You don't rack up 10 interceptions if you are blanketing the opponents' #1 WR. Laverneous Coles had 2 TDs in Week 1 against the Pats. Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson combined for 11 receptions, 130 yards, and a TD in Week2. Housh and Chad were able to post 13/153/1 in Week 4. You can gain yardage through the air on this team, folks. If Samuel tries to jump routes on Braylon Edwards, he will get burned. Just ask the CB that have tried that to date.

4. If the Browns come out and establish a decent running game, Anderson will utilize play action to catch Edwards and Winslow in single coverage.

Jamal Lewis isn't even close to what he used to be, but he is doing a respectable job behind an improved offensive line. Lewis YPC is a little decieving at 4.9, as he has broken quite a few long runs; but the very fact he is breaking off those gallops is a vast improvement over the Browns RB last year. He is also starting to show he can be used as a goal line option when called upon.

5. Romeo Crennel won't make the same mistake other HC do against NE - blitzing too much.

Crennell knows one thing - rattling Brady is a tall order. He will likely have his front four apply as much pressure as possible, and rely on his linebackers and secondary to make plays.

With all that said, the Pats still come away with the win, but it will be close: NE 28, CLE 24

28-24? Are you sure youre not a Cleveland Browns fan playing devils' advocate??Here's why some of that wont happen -

1- If Cleveland chooses not to blitz Brady, they wont be able to pressure him. If they cant pressure him, he will pick them apart, no matter where those others guys try and hide in the secondary.

2- Asante doesnt typically risk jumping routes at the expense of giving up huge plays. Sure, he's not a lock down guy like Bailey, but that's not NE's defensive style. He's a little more calculating. But when he decides to take a calculated gamble on jumping a route, which he has great instincts thus the 10 picks last year, he'll do so when there is little risk of getting burned deep.

3- The Browns will NOT run the ball much against NE. Theyre just too stout against the run at this point. Adding Thomas to that ILB corp with Seau is almost ridiculous.

4- For however well Anderson has done so far, he throws at a very low completion rate, and a very high pick rate. If youre asking Anderson to be methodical down the field completing shorter passes, youre asking for trouble . The Browns have had most of their success going over the top. And if NE isnt going to give it to them, its going to be a long day for the Browns.

 

[eom]

Paging eom, you're needed to dump ice water on this conversation. LOLNice post. I don't anticipate a win, but I don't anticipate an embarrassment either as a Browns fan.

I think the key to that statement would be how big a blowout would it have to be to actually embarrass a browns fan........

 

[The Deathstar]

So most people expect another NE blowout today vs. the Browns. I say, not so fast! There are some key factors that will come into play that will keep this game closer than expected. Let's jump right in!

1. The Patriots defensive mantra is, "Keep the play in front of you," and Romeo knows it.

Every week on WEEI, Belichick regurgitates the same "keys to the game." Keeping the ball in front of the secondary is Priority #1 of defense. If Romeo can adjust, and capitalize on the short passing game, the Browns should be able to move the ball. They will need to alter Edwards' routes to better attack the middle of the Pats zone.

2. The Browns O-line is much improved, especially in pass protection.

Since Anderson has taken over at QB, he has done a better job utilizing his playmakers than Frye did as a starter. Braylon Edwards' numbers reflect that.

3. Assante Samuel is not a true lock down corner.

That's right, I said it! Samuel is a singular talent, no doubt - but he is no Champ Bailey or Deion Sanders. He is a ball hawking corner that likes to anticipate and jump routes. You don't rack up 10 interceptions if you are blanketing the opponents' #1 WR. Laverneous Coles had 2 TDs in Week 1 against the Pats. Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson combined for 11 receptions, 130 yards, and a TD in Week2. Housh and Chad were able to post 13/153/1 in Week 4. You can gain yardage through the air on this team, folks. If Samuel tries to jump routes on Braylon Edwards, he will get burned. Just ask the CB that have tried that to date.

4. If the Browns come out and establish a decent running game, Anderson will utilize play action to catch Edwards and Winslow in single coverage.

Jamal Lewis isn't even close to what he used to be, but he is doing a respectable job behind an improved offensive line. Lewis YPC is a little decieving at 4.9, as he has broken quite a few long runs; but the very fact he is breaking off those gallops is a vast improvement over the Browns RB last year. He is also starting to show he can be used as a goal line option when called upon.

5. Romeo Crennel won't make the same mistake other HC do against NE - blitzing too much.

Crennell knows one thing - rattling Brady is a tall order. He will likely have his front four apply as much pressure as possible, and rely on his linebackers and secondary to make plays.

With all that said, the Pats still come away with the win, but it will be close: NE 28, CLE 24

28-24? Are you sure youre not a Cleveland Browns fan playing devils' advocate??Here's why some of that wont happen -

1- If Cleveland chooses not to blitz Brady, they wont be able to pressure him. If they cant pressure him, he will pick them apart, no matter where those others guys try and hide in the secondary.

2- Asante doesnt typically risk jumping routes at the expense of giving up huge plays. Sure, he's not a lock down guy like Bailey, but that's not NE's defensive style. He's a little more calculating. But when he decides to take a calculated gamble on jumping a route, which he has great instincts thus the 10 picks last year, he'll do so when there is little risk of getting burned deep.

3- The Browns will NOT run the ball much against NE. Theyre just too stout against the run at this point. Adding Thomas to that ILB corp with Seau is almost ridiculous.

4- For however well Anderson has done so far, he throws at a very low completion rate, and a very high pick rate. If youre asking Anderson to be methodical down the field completing shorter passes, youre asking for trouble . The Browns have had most of their success going over the top. And if NE isnt going to give it to them, its going to be a long day for the Browns.

LOL no, not a Browns fan - die hard Pats fan from the 2-14 days. I do like what the Browns have done so far this year, however.The OP is designed to stimulate this kind of discussion. Good replies! It will be interesting to see how much of my BS comes to fruition. I am looking forward to a good game.