Additional Thoughts From New England Patriots Loss To Redskins
By Cyrus Geller
Aug 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu (29) runs with the ball as New England Patriots strong safety Duron Harmon (30) and cornerback Brandon Browner (39) defend in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
3. Brandon Browner’s physicality
Up until last night, the Pats had not been around any officials this year. The reason this is a story of any kind, is because of the phsyical play of new corner Brandon Browner, and the league cracking down on enforcing defensive holding and illegal contact.
Yesterday we got our first look at how officials may react to Browner’s play, and almost immediately he was flagged for illegal contact. This penalty led to a Washington touchdown. Now, this is the preseason, so the officials will be calling more penalties than usual, but Browner should take this as a warning that he won’t be able to flat out maul receivers. He will undoubtedly continue to be physical, because that is what makes him a great corner, but he must realize what he can get away with, and what will be called.