3 reasons the Cleveland Browns will beat the Patriots in Week 6

No. 2: Patriots playing with a rookie QB

Last year, the Browns went up to New England and got beat badly 45-7. It was their worst defeat of the year.

At the time, the Patriots had a rookie quarterback in Mac Jones and he had a solid game against the Browns throwing for three touchdowns. He’s set to miss this game due to an ankle injury and in his place will be Bailey Zappe.

The former Western Kentucky product stepped in two weeks ago and last week he got his first start. The Patriots relied on the run game in their win against the Detroit Lions, but Zappe got off to a good start as he went 17-of-21 for 188 yards and one touchdown. However, he did throw an interception and had a fumble as well.

Zappe obviously isn’t a pushover and the Browns will have their work cut out for them. At Western Kentucky, the youngster threw for an NCAA-leading 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns in only 14 games. Those statistics are tremendous no matter what division you’re in.

With the Cleveland defense getting exposed most of this season, it’ll be interesting to see how the Patriots use Zappe in this matchup. While he has shown he can throw the ball, New England has a good ground game and hasn’t had to force Zappe into doing too much.

However, going on the road, against a defense like the Browns which hasn’t been playing well — and has more motivation with the spotlight on them — could be a recipe for disaster for Zappe.

It’s wishful thinking but stranger things have happened in the NFL. Also, the fact that this team played New England a year ago and was embarrassed should be enough to motivate them on Sunday.