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Patriots Week 5 Predictions: The 5 Players Who Will Rock Vs. Browns

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Sep 22, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) and line backer Jonathan Freeny (55) celebrate a fumble recovery during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) and line backer Jonathan Freeny (55) celebrate a fumble recovery during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) leads his team to the field before the AFC Championship football game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Tom Brady returns in the New England Patriots Week 5 match up versus the Browns.  There are five players I believe will step up in a big way in Cleveland.

He’s baaaack!  Tom Brady returns Sunday in Cleveland and the New England Patriots coaches, players and fans are pumped up.  Actually, according to Danny Amendola, they are “juiced.”  But let’s not take away from their opponents.  Head coach Bill Belichick knows the 0-4 Cleveland Browns present a few challenges.

The obvious challenge is defensive back Joe Haden.  Belichick praised the 27-year-old defensive back and knows Brady and the offense have to be very careful when throwing in his direction.  Haden will most likely play opposite Julian Edelman or Chris Hogan.  Both players will have to work extra hard to create some distance from the talented defensive end.

On the defensive side of the ball, running back Isaiah Crowell and wide receiver Terrelle Pryor both present challenges for the Patriots’ defense.  Containing Crowell will be a key and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia knows his defense will have their work cut out for them.

"“I mean, you’re talking about one of the best backs in the league,” Patricia said. “This guy is an explosive runner, he’s got good vision, he’s got really good feet and balance. If you look at his burst and his ability to get through the line of scrimmage with the power and the acceleration that he hits the hole, it’s very impressive. You see him really kind of fit through some tight spaces very quickly.”"

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The Patriots had problems with Bills running back LeSean McCoy last week, so expect a better effort against the run this week despite the Patriots being thin along the defensive line due to the injury to rookie defensive tackle Vincent Valentine.  Still, Patricia’s group should have enough play makers to make a statement.

Now, let’s talk about Terrelle Pryor.  The former quarterback has caught 19 passes for 290 yards this season.  His speed, size and pure athleticism will be a challenge for the secondary.  Will all the focus on Pryor, expect Belichick and Patricia to find a way to take him out of the game.

"“He’s made some spectacular plays already this season on the deep balls, going up and taking it away from defenders, short catch-and-run plays, has thrown the ball, run the ball from the quarterback or Wildcat position, however you want to look at it, so he’s a very dynamic player,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. “As you know, (he’s) very fast. …He has got tremendous speed and good size, aa hard guy to tackle, a very explosive player and versatile.”"

In summary, the Patriots will have to put in a complete team effort to defeat a team that is much better than their winless record.  These five players, in my estimation, will come up big and lead New England to a 34-17 victory in Tom Brady’s return.

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