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Cleveland Browns: Keys to a victory over the Patriots

By Jonathan Goehring

Sep 1, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws the ball during warmups prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws the ball during warmups prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

The first step the Browns must take in this seemingly overwhelming task against the Patriots is to assert themselves. Naturally, this game will be all about Brady and New England at the outset. The Patriots are coming off of an embarrassing 16-0 home loss to the Buffalo Bills which they will be seeking to avenge. Since this week marks Brady’s return from a four-game suspension, he too will be the center of attention.

To most of football, the Browns are just the same old Browns. They haven’t inherited any respect, and quite frankly don’t deserve much coming into this week. What they must do to the Patriots early on in Sunday’s contest is step up to the challenge and make themselves the center of attention.

This happens in every facet of the game, and is not a specific key involving the intricate aspects of football. But momentum has proved to be a powerful component of every football game, and fair or not, the Patriots enter with all of the momentum due to expectations. The very challenging task the Browns are faced with involves taking it away early, and stealing New England’s thunder.

This could come in the form of a turnover, an explosive special teams play or a quick strike for six points on offense. Whatever it is, it has to happen. The Browns are in trouble if it doesn’t. There’s no magic formula for creating this moment, but the Browns do need to enter with the confidence and willingness to get physical and match up with a far superior team. It is then and only then that they can begin focusing on the more detailed aspects of the game which they have been working on all week.

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