The Browns and the Bills were desperate to win this week ten contest in the tightly contested AFC. The Browns appeared to be a better team without the drama of Odell Beckham looming over their heads after dismantling the Bengals 41-17 last week. It seemed that they brought the momentum into the game on the first drive. Baker Mayfield led the team down the field for 11 plays, 84 yards, and a touchdown. However, Mac Jones responded immediately to bring the Patriots down the field to tie the game at 7-7. Then, the Patriots’ defense locked down the Browns’ offense forcing turnovers and quick drives while Mac and the offense bludgeoned Cleveland’s defense in an impressive display. Here are my five takeaways from a Patriots perspective from this matchup.
1. Mac Jones was Stellar-Jones outplayed Baker Mayfield in this game by a wide margin. Mac completed 19 of 23 for 198 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. The critics will say it was only 198 yards but with Jones, it is not about the yardage. He made two dime touch throws, one for a touchdown to Hunter Henry and another down the field to Jacoby Myers. He also threw a highlight reel dart between two defenders to Kendrick Bourne for a touchdown. Jones has the tremendous ability to throw his receivers open with precise ball placement. Another stat that indicates his dominance in this game was on third down. He led the offense to convert 7 of their 9 chances to move the chain, and the Patriots only punted the ball once.
2. Rhamondre Stevenson-with the top running back Damien Harris out of this matchup, there was uncertainty if the rookie would be able to fill his big shoes. Stevenson started the season fumbling the football and was benched by Belichick. However, he is now back in Bill’s good grace and made most of his opportunity. Rhamondre was dominant in the game with 24 touches, 114 yards, and two touchdowns. Stevenson should get credit for this performance because he was questionable to play due to the concussion protocol.
3. Defensive masterclass-the Cleveland Browns offense effectiveness is highly dependent on the running game. D’Ernest Johnson had 4 rushes for 58 yards on the first drive alone. However, after the quick start, the Patriots’ defense held him to 15 more carries and only 41 yards. The ineffective run game forced Baker Mayfield to throw the ball, and he was not up to the challenge. The defense held Mayfield and backup Case Keenum to just 19 of 33 passes, 118 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and five sacks. Belichick has this defense playing at an elite level and will give offensive coordinators a lot to worry about going forward.
4. Bourne and Myers show potential potency-the Browns spent the past week trying to forget about OBJ while the Patriots appeared to court the superstar wide receiver. They were exploring the potential signing because they seem to need a number one wide receiver. Beckham decided to take his talents to the Rams and spurned the chance to come to 1 Patriot Place. However, in this game, Bourne and Myers made fans wonder whether we needed Odell and his desire to get the ball often. The wide-receiving duo had 11 touches for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Myers also finally got in the end zone for his first touchdown after a record-setting 134 catches without a TD. Hopefully, it is a sign of good things to come from this duo.
5. Playoff Picture-The Patriots are now firmly in the playoff picture for the AFC at the end of week 10. The team has climbed to the 6th seed with a 6-4 record. Also, they are a half-game behind the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East standings. They also have the chance to win the division because they will face the Bills twice in December. In two weeks, they will face the Tennessee Titans, the current number one seed in the conference. However, all Bill Belichick will have this team focused on will be the matchup on Thursday night. The Patriots will head south to face the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football.