Week 5: Patriots – Browns Game Analysis
Who is Tom Brady’s Favorite Target?
Positives
- The Patriots offense was 9-17 (52%) on third down and totalled 501 yards (406 passing, 98 rushing), and to the surprise of no one, had their best performance of the season.
- The offense did not turn the ball over, and for the first time this season, did not fumble the ball.
- The offensive Line was solid in Brady’s return, allowing just one sack that came on a scramble.
- On the first drive, Brady finds TE Rob Gronkowski running across the field on a crossing route and makes a great effort breaking tackles and getting a pick up of 34 yards. All the talk about Gronkowski not being himself seemed to be a little exaggerated.
- WR Chris Hogan and TE Martellus Bennett both has scary moments during this game, but were good to return to the field and play (both had big performances). That’s huge considering a player has suffered a small injury through for each of the first four weeks.
- Play-action will be even more effective this year with the Patriots ability to mask whether they are running or passing thanks to their versatile tight ends.
- The Patriots defense was much better this week on third down holding the Browns to 5 of 13 (38%).
- The entire Patriots defense played well, but DT Malcom Brown and LB Elandon Roberts stood out in the run game
- RB Isaiah Crowell had just 22 yards on 13 carries. The Patriots stopped the Browns rushing attack to just 27 yards total.
- While still recovering, LB Dont’a Hightower had a quiet game, but was good vs. the run. His ability to time snaps and blitz is still amazing. He is still not 100% when in coverage, but that will improve.
- CB Logan Ryan, who was picked on last week by both the Buffalo Bills and Patriots fans, bounced back this week with a solid performance.