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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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Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Malcolm Butler

If Malcolm Butler is paired up against Terrelle Pryor, I believe the third-year cornerback will step up to the challenge.  He may give up a big play, but Butler will also make a couple big plays.  He has played big games against receivers the caliber of Odell Beckham Jr. and Sammy Watkins.

Even if Butler is not paired against Pryor, he will do a good enough job taking away the Browns no.2 receiver to enable the Patriots to double Pryor with Ryan and help from a safety. Either way, in Sundays matchup Butler and the secondary has to be aggressive and help get the defense off the field in third down situations.

The Patriots are currently ranked 30th in that area.  The return of Rob Ninkovich and pressure on the quarterback should help, but the secondary has to step up.  I think it starts with Malcolm Butler and believe he will find a way to step up and set the tone in the defensive secondary.

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