Patriots Vs. Browns Live: Analysis, Takeaways, Highlights From Week 8 Matchup
12:30 p.m.: The Patriots are expected to have Rex Burkhead active for this game, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter — a big boost for their backfield.
Burkhead, who missed the last three games with a foot injury and was severely limited in Week 4, was the Patriots’ most effective all-around back over their first three games, totaling 222 yards from scrimmage on 37 touches in wins over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets.
Having Burkhead back likely will push rookie Damien Harris off the 46-man gameday roster. Cornerback Joejuan Williams also likely will be inactive.
10:30 a.m. ET: Good morning from a rain-soaked Gillette Stadium, where wet and sloppy conditions are expected for this afternoon’s matchup between the 7-0 New England Patriots and the 2-4 Cleveland Browns.
The Patriots are looking to remain undefeated after demolishing the New York Jets last week, while the Browns, who boast one of the NFL’s more talented rosters, are seeking a post-bye bounce-back after an inauspicious start to the Freddie Kitchens era.
Today’s game should feature the Patriots debuts of wide receiver Mohamed Sanu and special teams standout Justin Bethel, who came aboard via trade and free agent signing, respectively, earlier this week.
Injury-wise, New England will be without tight ends Matt LaCosse (knee) and Ryan Izzo (concussion), both of whom were ruled out Friday. Five Patriots players are listed as questionable: receivers Julian Edelman (chest) and Gunner Olszewski (ankle/hamstring), running back Rex Burkhead (foot), safety Patrick Chung (heel/chest) and right guard Shaq Mason (ankle).
Despite Cleveland’s offensive talent, the Patriots’ top-ranked defense faces another favorable matchup against second-year quarterback Baker Mayfield, who earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors last season but currently leads all NFL QBs with 11 interceptions in six games. New England in 13-0 against second-year QBs since 2013, and it’s already succeeded in flummoxing 2018 first-rounders Josh Allen and Sam Darnold this season, holding them to a combined zero touchdowns with seven interceptions in Weeks 4 and 7.
“I’m not going to try to fool them to think we’re going in to play a normal team,” Kitchens, Cleveland’s first-year head coach, said this week. “We’re not going in to play a normal team. We’re going in to play the New England Patriots.”
The Browns also have retooled their struggling offensive line, benching starting left tackle Greg Robinson this week. The Patriots were able to overwhelm the Jets’ O-line last week with repeated zero-blitzes.
Downfield, it’ll be fascinating to watch the battle between Stephon Gilmore and Odell Beckham Jr. — the NFL’s best corner against one of its elite receivers. Gilmore has been simply unbeatable over the last two weeks, allowing two catches on 11 targets for 19 yards with two interceptions and four pass breakups.
The biggest challenge facing the Patriots in this game might be Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett, the league’s co-sacks leader. Keeping him away from Tom Brady will be priority No. 1 for tackles Marshall Newhouse and Marcus Cannon.
In a fitting bit of symmetry, Patriots coach Bill Belichick has an opportunity to earn his 300th career victory against his former team. Belichick, who coached the Browns for five seasons in the early 1990s, scored his first NFL victory against New England on Sept. 8, 1991.
Kickoff for this one is set for 4:25 p.m. ET. Be sure to follow along throughout the day for full pregame coverage.