Patriots Avoid The Trap, Winning 34-17

The New England Patrots continued their roll Sunday, defeating the Cleveland Browns 34-17, in what some billed as a possible trap game for the Pats. The Patriots weren’t as impressive this week, despite the 17-point spread in the score. The Browns were able to hang with the Pats most of the afternoon, at one point closing to within 10 points. This could have been a product of Romeo Crennel, the former Patriots’ defensive coordinator,†being on the Browns’ sideline. It also could have been a lack of focus due to the Dallas Cowboys game next week.

There were new names shining this week as Randy Moss was relatively quiet, finishing with 3 catches for 46 yards. Donte Stallworth emerged from his relative quiet start to the season to catch 4 balls for 65 yards and a TD, and had 1 rush for 12 yards. Ben Watson was dominant over the middle, finishing the game with 6 receptions for 100 yards and 2 TD’s. He also had an end around rush for 11 yards. The offense, Tom Brady in particular, didn’t look as sharp as usual. Keep in mind, this offense has been RIDICULOUS this year and putting up the numbers it did today would be absolutely fine for any other team in the league, and this team last season. However, we’ve been spoiled so far this season. Brady and the offense had a forgettable 3rd quarter in particular, going scoreless and†having a few†3-and-outs. Tommy Boy just wasn’t particularly sharp and missed open receivers. They were able to put it together in the 4th quarter for a game-sealing touchdown drive.
Luckily for the Pats, they also have a #1 defense to go with their #1 offense. The defense, despite giving up a season high 17 points, really stepped up and put the team on their shoulders while the offense was struggling. Tedy Bruschi looked like his old self again, totaling 4 tackles, 3 assists, and 2 team-inspiring sacks. After his first sack of Derek Anderson, he did his signature “knee sliding” celebration, made famous during the Miami snow game of 2003 after his INT returned for a TD. This brings Bruschi’s career sack total to 30.5. I definitely got back into the game after watching the signature Bruschi move. Junior Seau also had a stellar game with 2 INT’s and 4 tackles, and Asante Samuel had 1 INT, making it three games in a row he’s had an INT. Randall Gay also got into the turnover fest, forcing a fumble off of TE Kellen Winslow and returning it for the Pats’ final TD of the game. All in all, the Patriots scored 21 points off of 4 turnovers. The Patriot offense had no turnovers.
Again, the Patriots were unimpressive, as unimpressive as a 34-17 win can be. I’m definitely spoiled though with this team so take that “unimpressive” comment with a grain of salt. The point spread was 16.5 and they certainly covered the spread. They can’t have a 3rd quarter offensively next week as they did this week and hope to beat the unbeaten (at the time of this article) Dallas Cowboys. I know before the game today I was pretty nervous because CBS was already billing next week’s game as a “game between two unbeaten teams.” A little premature no? I was thinking jinx for sure, but that might just be the Red Sox fan in me. This team just doesn’t fall into the cliche “traps” or “distractions” that we’ve come to accept as commonplace with most sports teams. I think that fact is what sets them apart from the rest of the NFL, and that can be attributed to good coaching and strong leadership in the lockerroom. Anyway you slice it, the Pats are 5-0, something they haven’t done since their last Superbowl season (2004). You gotta love being a Pats fan right now!