The Cleveland Browns couldn’t spoil the New England Patriots’ undefeated season as they move to 2-5. Meanwhile, the Patriots remain atop the AFC with an outstanding 8-0 record.
The Browns started the game pretty much as bad as possible. Nick Chubb fumbled early in the first quarter, and Dont’a Hightower scooped it up and returned it for a 26-yard touchdown. Chubb would go on to fumble on the following drive after Jonathan Jones chased him down and delivered a textbook punch-out. Cleveland’s next possession resulted in one of the worst interceptions I have ever seen thrown in an NFL game, as Baker Mayfield effectively shoveled the ball into the hands of Patriots defensive tackle, Lawrence Guy. The Patriots would capitalize on the turnover with a Julian Edelman touchdown.
End of Q1: Browns 0, Patriots 17
The second quarter was far less entertaining, as both teams couldn’t get much going. The Browns did put together a nice drive later in the quarter and they were able to find paydirt when they hit on a 21-yard touchdown to wide receiver Demetrius Harris. Heading into halftime, however, the Browns had a large deficit to one of the best teams in the league. A comeback would prove extremely difficult.
End of Q2: Browns 7, Patriots 17
The second half opened with a Cleveland field goal to make it a one-possession lead for the Patriots. However, Tom Brady and his squad drove right down the field and found Edelman for another touchdown. The energy at Gillette Stadium picked up and the Browns’ chances of winning decreased significantly. Neither team scored for the remainder of the quarter, leaving the Patriots with a two-touchdown lead heading into the fourth quarter. With the league’s best defense the Patriots felt very confident they could hold off the Browns and earn their eighth win on the year.
End of Q3: Browns 10, Patriots 24
The Patriots’ defense indeed stepped up in the fourth, only allowing the Browns three more points, thus ending the game. Nick Chubb had a nice game despite the two fumbles as he rushed for 131 yards on 20 carries. On the flip side, Edelman finished with eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns as the Patriots’ most impressive offensive performer. Other notable performers were James White, who had four catches for 75 yards, and Jamie Collins, who continued his dominant season with 13 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Final Score: Browns 13, Patriots 27
The Browns’ loss drops them into third place in the AFC North after the Steelers won on Monday night. On the other hand, the Patriots are almost locked into a playoff berth already and hope to continue their undefeated season. The Browns head over to Denver to take on the Broncos next week while the Patriots get a shot at the inconsistent Baltimore Ravens.
