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Cleveland Browns: 5 key players vs New England Patriots

By Leon West

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Quarter Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns and teammates huddle during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Quarter Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns and teammates huddle during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 22: Defensive back T.J. Carrie #38 of the Cleveland Browns enters the field to take on the Los Angeles Rams in the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 22: Defensive back T.J. Carrie #38 of the Cleveland Browns enters the field to take on the Los Angeles Rams in the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

3. T.J. Carrie

T.J. Carrie isn’t the only cornerback that needs to come up big this week, but New England’s most important wide receiver plays in the slot. The Bills, and yes, I’m sure you are sensing a theme, were the only team to keep the game close against New England. Another way they did this is by taking away Brady’s best friend, Julian Edelman.

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Carrie has played almost 100 percent of the snaps since Greedy Williams and Denzel Ward‘s hamstring injuries. Buffalo took away Edelman, holding him to a season-low in catches with four receptions and only 30 yards. Carrie is almost sure to carry the bulk of the burden against Edelman. Even without injuries, Carrie is the Browns’ nickel cornerback.

New England will find ways to get the ball into the No. 1 receivers’ hands, but Carrie must limit his yards after the catch. This will require tight coverage on the shifty wide-out, something Carrie has done well in moments this season. He’ll need to play an almost perfect game to limit Edelman’s chances.

The entire defensive backfield needs to mind their assignments against a quarterback like Brady. But until Brady establishes chemistry with Sanu, the passing game starts and ends with number 12 throwing to number 11.

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