5 Browns strengths the Patriots need to contend with
The Browns may be the only winless team in the NFL, but they’ve been far from an embarrassment. Here are five areas where they could test the Patriots in Tom Brady’s return:
1. Running the ball
An 0-4 team leading the league in a major category is unheard of, but sure enough the Browns have the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL. Their 597 yards on the ground are especially impressive considering their 111 attempts rank just 16th in the league. As a team they average 5.7 yards per attempt, also first in the league. Isaiah Crowell heads the attack, but Duke Johnson will also be a factor.
2. Starting strong
The Browns have led in the first half of each of their last three games, including a 20-2 lead against Baltimore. Of course, at 0-4 this strength is closely tied to the weakness of losing leads late in games, but Cleveland has shown an ability to play well out of the gate.
3. Picking off quarterbacks
The Browns defense hasn’t been a strength overall, but their defensive backs have been able to make plays. Joe Haden is an All-Pro cornerback with two interceptions on the year, and as a team they have five – the same amount as the Broncos and Panthers. Only four teams have more.
4. Making big plays to receivers
The Browns have four wide receivers with more than 10 yards per reception this season, although one of them, rookie Corey Coleman, is injured this week. Terrelle Pryor is always a threat to break open a big play, and he torched the Dolphins for 8 catches and 144 yards.
5. Staying unpredictable
Head coach Hue Jackson was known for creative playcalling as the offensive coordinator for the Bengals, and the Browns have versatile players that he uses inventively. Pryor is a former college quarterback who has taken snaps at QB this season, and the different skill sets of the Crowell-Johnson backfield leaves defenses unsure of what they have up their sleeves. Bill Belichick and the Patriots have to stay on their toes to avoid a trap game, but if there’s any team in the NFL that knows how to do that it is New England.
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