It was a rainy one in Foxboro but the New England Patriots were able to pull it out against the Cleveland Browns 24-10.
The offensive line looked shaky but some of the Patriots’ best weapons showed out. Here are your winners and losers for today’s game.
Winner: Julian Edelman
Quarterback Tom Brady’s favorite target continued to hold that title against the Browns today.
At the end of the first half, Edelman recorded six receptions for 57 yards and was the only consistent receiver of the bunch.
Edelman then caught his second touchdown in the second half that effectively put the game out of reach.
The Kent State alum certainly does not look like a 33-year-old he has recorded seven or more receptions in four straight games.
He finished the game with eight receptions for 78 yards and two scores.
Loser: Special Teams
Head coach Bill Belichick holds his special teams to a higher standard than most which means any mistake means it’s a disappointment.
At the end of the second quarter, Mike Nugent’s kick was blocked which would have made it a 13-point game.
Little mistakes like these especially on a unit that Belichick prides his team on is enough to make them one of today’s losers.
Loser: Run defense
The one blemish of their defense today was the run defense.
Forget the fact that the team had two fumble recoveries and three turnovers. The Patriots run defense gave up 92 yards to Nick Chubb with the Georgia alum averaging 9.2 yards per carry in the first half.
Winner: Adam Butler
Baker Mayfield rarely if ever looked comfortable in the pocket.
Adam Butler is up to 3.5 sacks on the season and continues to be one of the key members of that line terrorizing offenses around the league.
Butler also had a tackle for a loss and only sees his snaps climbing.
Other pass rushers John Simon, Jamie Collins and more were in the backfield constantly.
Loser: Offensive line
The Cleveland Browns controlled the line of scrimmage. There really is not any way around that.
The offensive line showed as much vulnerability as ever and gave fans no reason to think that there was any improvement.
A trade for a tackle needs to be made for Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.
Winner: James White
The Patriots had to rely on the short passes to their running backs and James White was on the receiving end of most those Brady throws.
This included an over 50 yard catch and run that set up the Patriots to go up by 10 late in the third quarter.
The Patriots do not need extra receivers now as they have running backs double as members of the receiving corp.
