Is the Patriots’ defense instilling fear in the Browns?
There’s a lot to be learned when listening to what opponents have to say leading up to their games with the Patriots. As the Browns and Patriots vie for a chance to finally reach a .500 record, players from both teams revealed insight regarding how they view the other team. But some of the more interesting sound bites came from the mouths of Cleveland players this week.
When speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of their week six matchup, Browns’ receiver Amari Cooper shared his thoughts on a familiar opponent throughout his career in the Patriots.
The last time Cooper shared the field with New England was just last season when the receiver was still with his former team the Dallas Cowboys. As one of the usual offensive threats on his team, Cooper has experienced the work of Belichick shutting down key pieces of an opponent’s team to force a change in their game planning.
During his media availability this week, Cooper acknowledged his familiarity with Belichick’s strategy and credited him for playing eagerly no matter the circumstance of the team’s meeting.
"“They put an emphasis on taking away your best attributes and your strengths. To me, teams usually have that type of emphasis like in the playoffs and stuff like that — I am not saying that other teams don’t want to win really bad — they just approach it different.”"
Despite their unimpressive records, the Browns and Patriots are similarly constructed teams. Both are currently working with backup quarterbacks, due to completely different circumstances but still backups nonetheless. Both have skillful running backs to establish the run game early and rely on their talents to win games. And both have dominant forces on the defensive line that make pressuring and/or getting to the quarterback look incredibly easy.
As the Patriots continue working through their woes on offense, their defense has kicked it into high gear to help give the team their best opportunity to win. It was clear during the Browns’ media availability that the players have taken notice and are preparing for a tough game on Sunday.
One Browns player, guard Joel Bitonio, commented on New England’s defensive performance thus far and acknowledged their utter dominance over the highest-scoring offense in the Lions last week in Foxboro.
"“They are always disciplined. They are always good. I feel like they are never going to beat themselves. For us, it is a big execution week and a big understanding what they are trying to throw at us. You have to account for players. (Matthew Judon) is playing out of his mind right now. They are all playing really well. They just came off of a shutout. They are going to be a real tough test for us.”"
Looking at the defenses, in particular, the Browns certainly have their stand-out performers in their secondary. But the defensive backs on the Patriots have continued to outperform expectations placed on them before the season began. Because of the emergence of rookie cornerback Jack Jones and Jonathan Jones despite his move to outside cornerback, Cooper was asked his opinion on those who will likely be matched up with him during the game.
"“I think all of their (defensive backs) are playing good football. You have some guys who are doing some really good things for them. Like I said before, it is going to be a challenge for us in the receiver room.”"
The Patriots will face their fair share of challenges too, especially facing the number one-ranked rushing attack of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. But with question marks still at who will be playing quarterback on Sunday, the defense will need to have another stellar performance to give the team the best chance to leave Cleveland victorious.