Game Observations: Eight Takeaways From the Patriots 38-15 Victory Over the Browns

After asking round within the post-game locker room, Stevenson’s landing was a known as working play within the huddle that was well-timed by the coaches. The Browns had a stunt-blitz known as in a passing state of affairs, the place security Grant Delpit added to the push whereas others on the road dropped out. The Pats had the proper play name, with tight finish Hunter Henry working throughout the formation on a split-zone scheme that hit completely proper on the blitz, and Stevenson did the remaining.

Giving credit score the place credit score is due, unofficial play-caller Matt Patricia deserves a hat tip for that one.

2. Patriots Run Protection Shuts Down Browns High-Ranked Speeding Assault

Getting into Sunday’s motion, the Browns had been the top-ranked rush offense by each Soccer Outsiders’ DVOA metric and anticipated factors added per play. Earlier than the sport script pressured the Browns into passing the ball, the Pats protection held Cleveland to a 31% success charge and -0.52 anticipated factors added per play within the first half, which is elite run protection.

New England stopped the run out of an odd entrance (3-4) base protection with three safeties and one cornerback on the sphere reasonably than a standard two corners within the secondary. The larger bundle, mixed with extra “Eagle” fronts the place the D-Line performs straight up over the offensive line reasonably than tilted to 1 aspect, saved the Browns ball carriers in test. Though he did not register a sack, defensive chief Matthew Judon made a noticeable impression together with the inside defenders by setting the sting and penetrating the road of scrimmage for a TFL.

After struggling to begin the yr towards the run, the Patriots run protection has righted the ship with the sport plan specializing in stopping two top-ranked dashing assaults in consecutive weeks.

3. Patriots QB Bailey Zappe is Beginning to Make Issues Attention-grabbing in New England

As most know, we have persistently vouched for Mac Jones right here and consider that the second-year quarterback ought to retain his job when he returns from harm. Though Zappe’s effectivity numbers are off the charts (+0.32 EPA per play), it is nonetheless extra of a layups offense with the first-year QB working within the brief and intermediate passing (6.4 common goal depth) and primarily off of play-action to generate explosive performs (ten play-actions on dwell charting).

Fashion factors might communicate to the offense’s ceiling towards an elite protection with Zappe, however if you outscore your opponent’s 67-15 in two begins, there isn’t any denying the child can play. Whatever the opponent, this stat line is spectacular: 24-of-34, 309 yards, two touchdowns, and nil interceptions.