NFL Game of the Week: Patriots vs. Browns
The Cleveland Browns will travel to Gillette Stadium to face the New England Patriots on Sunday, a matchup between two teams fighting for playoff positioning.
The Browns are heading into Week 10 with a 5-4 record. Sunday’s game will be the second road matchup in a row for Cleveland.
After coming away with a dominant win of 41-16 against the Cincinnati Bengals on the road last week, the Browns are eager to get another road win against New England.
Major elements of Cleveland’s roster are still up in the air for the Sunday game. This past Wednesday, quarterback Baker Mayfield was limited in practice due to a foot and shoulder issue.
However, Mayfield is still expected to play in the Week 10 game. If the issues do become more serious, the Browns could be looking to backup Case Keenum, which would change the entire offensive dynamic of the game.
Another factor that changes the entire offensive dynamic is the status of first-string running back Nick Chubb. Chubb is third in the NFL in rushing yards so far this season.
Unfortunately for the Browns, Chubb tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week. Chubb’s fate for the game Sunday is still yet to be announced, as he needs to clear protocol in time for kickoff. Chubb’s absence won’t go unnoticed if he doesn’t clear protocol in time, and D’Ernest Johnson would most likely be sent in to try and pick up the pieces.
Kareem Hunt, another talented running back for the Browns, has already confirmed he won’t be activated off injured reserve in time for Sunday. Myles Garrett, the starting defensive end, was still on injured reserve as of Wednesday. However, Garrett is hopeful to be activated in time for Sunday.
The injuries and COVID-19 issues the Browns are facing will force them to problem solve against New England.
With a rocky start to their season, the Patriots fell to 2-4 after Week 6, but are now 5-4 heading into Week 10. The Patriots are looking to extend their winning streak to four games against the Browns this Sunday.
With this win, New England would be another step closer to holding the first place title of the AFC East rather than the competitive Buffalo Bills.
The status of many Patriots players is unknown for this upcoming game. Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson, both part of the running back core, were both listed as questionable due to concussions. Gunner Olszewski, the utility man for New England, did not practice Wednesday for the same reason and is currently questionable for Sunday.
N’Keal Harry and Kyle Van Noy both had limited practice on Wednesday, for respective knee and groin issues. A positive for New England is the return of Chase Winovich. Winovich practiced with the team on Thursday and is hopeful to play in Week 10.
New England has had a fierce defense this season, one of the best in the NFL.
In the past three games, the Patriots have held opponents to just 615 passing yards combined and have recorded seven interceptions. The dominance of New England’s defense is lacking on the ground, however, and the Browns are more than likely to take advantage of that.
Cleveland has a talented defense as well, especially its pass-rushing unit. The Browns’ defense has shown strength in slowing down the opponent's running and passing game.
The Sunday matchup between the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots will be a competitive, defensive battle. With two AFC teams having 5-4 records and fighting for playoff positioning, this game certainly won’t be one to miss.
Cearra O’Hern is a freshman studying digital/print journalism. To contact her, email ceo5312@psu.edu.
