Thoughts & Reactions: Patriots, Tom Brady Bounce Back To Torch Browns
The New England Patriots got back into the win column Sunday with a 33-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Tom Brady was sharp in his return throwing for over 400 yards.
Tom Brady had no rust. On Sunday, the New England Patriots quarterback returned to scorch the Cleveland Browns 33-13. He threw for over 400 yards and three touchdowns in the blow out victory. Most importantly, tight end Rob Gronkowski got back into the mix as he recorded the 21st 100-yard receiving game in his career.
It wasn’t just Gronkowski in the passing game. Brady was able to connect with tight end Martellus Bennett for three scores. The first of which came on the second drive of the game to break a 7-7 tie. At that point it was as close of a game it would get as Brady and the offense put together touchdown drives on the following two drives, both of which resulted in Bennett touchdowns.
In all, Brady’s hot start set the tone. He was 18-of-25 for 271 yards with two touchdowns at the half and ended the game going 28-of-40 for 406 yards with three touchdowns. Chris Hogan also had a big game with over 100 yards in reception yards. Brady was lifted with 6:02 remaining in the fourth quarter with the game well in hand. Back up quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo finished the game.
My Thoughts
Overall it was great to see the offense clicking. Tom Brady was in a comfort zone from the start of the game completing his first two passes to Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski. It was also great to see the chemistry between Brady and two new comers in the passing attack.
Both Chris Hogan and Martellus Bennett came up big in the passing attack. Not only did Bennett have a three-touchdown performance, Hogan hauled in two deep passes from Brady and is shaping out as the outside, down-the-field threat the 39-year-old quarterback can depend on.
On the defensive side of the ball, defensive tackle Malcolm Brown was a complete beast. He was integral in limiting running back Isaiah Crowell. Brown also went on to record two sacks in his best game by far as a member of the New England Patriots. Defensive end Jabaal Sheard was also very disruptive as he was able to put continual pressure on Browns quarterbacks and cause havoc against his former team.
All in all, the defense did do a better job of getting off the field on third down. There were still a couple of instances where they failed to get off the field in third and long situations. But with adjustments, the defense pretty much held the Browns in check all game long. The 4-1 Patriots now prepare to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in their Week 6 matchup.
Player reactions
Tom Brady on whether he felt rusty at all via Patriots.com:
"More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win“I think there was plenty of rust out there. I could do better in a lot of areas. [I] think it was a good win today. It was one game, and like I said, 4-1 is a good point to be at for us. We have a long road ahead so we have to stay focused.”"
Chris Hogan on 114-yard receiving performance via The Providence Journal:
"“I’m having a lot of fun. I’m enjoying playing on this team with these guys. Really makes it, winning changes things and makes it a lot of fun. All in all this whole team is fun to be around and fun to play with.”"
Rob Ninkovich on his return via WEEI.com:
"“It felt good. I hadn’t tackled anyone since the AFC Championship Game so it felt good and my arm feels good. I really worked hard this week and tried to get as many reps in as possible, even on scout team to try and get the football feeling back.”"
Next: Patriots Offense Shows Lethal Versatility in Victory over Browns
The New England Patriots will look to continue their winning ways against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6.