New England Patriots: 5 observations from drenching of Cleveland Browns
2. One flaw in the defense
If there is any flaw in this New England Patriots defense it is against the run.
Like Buffalo Bills running back Frank Gore did back in Week 4, Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb pretty much had his way with the Patriots defense.
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If not for the two fumbles, Chubb was by and far the best offensive player in this game with 131 yards rushing on just 20 attempts. Chubb is a good back obviously, but the way he ran through the defense at times is a focal point for Bill Belichick and the defense going forward, especially with the Baltimore Ravens coming up.
Dont’a Hightower is one of those players who the team relies on to stop opposing team’s running games and he knows they have to get things corrected.
"“Obviously, we can do better. Chubb’s a great back,” Hightower said, via Patriots.com. “Arguably one of the best in the league, if not the best. They obviously had a good couple of plays whether it was pulling guards or some scheme runs. Obviously, Baltimore’s a good rushing team like you said, as well. We’ll just have to get in on film tomorrow, get things corrected and just try to move forward.”"
The fact that Nick Chubb was able to run against the New England Patriots front seven is a bit of concern as the season moves forward. Teams with good running backs will be looking to exploit that weakness. The question is, is the defense versatile and deep enough to make corrections.
We shall find out starting next week against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.