Three key matchups to watch as Patriots travel to Cleveland

Key matchups for the Patriots in week six

Jalen Mills/Jack Jones vs. Amari Cooper

While Cleveland leads the NFL in rushing, it’s not like they avoid throwing the ball. In fact, they have one of the better receivers in the game in Amari Cooper who is off to a good start in his first season as a Brown. Through five games, Cooper has caught 27 balls for 304 yards and three touchdowns. He’s seen a team-high 28% of targets from Brissett and has registered seven or more receptions in three of the last four games, including seven last week against old-friend J.C. Jackson.

It seems that Mills, Jones or a combination of the two will be matched up against Cooper on Sunday. Mills has been dealing with a hamstring injury the past two weeks (he was limited in practice on Wednesday) which has allowed Jones to come on. Jones has registered interceptions in each of the last two games and has shown the ability to read the quarterback very well in pass coverage. Opposing quarterback have only completed 50% of their passes (9/18) when targeting Jones with two interceptions for a 35.4 rating.

Meanwhile, Mills has allowed the opposition to complete 15/22 passes and a touchdown, resulting in a 97.5 rating. The Patriots will need to figure out a good mix of Mills and Jones to take care of Cooper.