Burnt Brownies
WHEN THE PATRIOTS RUN
Sammy Morris arrived in New England with the reputation as a versatile, change-of-pace back who could give the starter a blow. So much for reputations. Morris has run more like a featured back than a backup. He has displayed excellent vision and patience as he waits for lanes to open and then exploits them with his slashing running style. Laurence Maroney continues to be slowed by a groin injury. Maroney, one of the most electric players in the NFL, is truly a game changer who will keep defensive coordinators up at night. Morris's play has at least given those coordinators pause for thought. Kevin Faulk continues to prove his worth, delivering timely runs and catching defenders off guard with deceptive speed and burst. Of course, the success of the running game starts with New England's talented offensive line, anchored by the invaluable Dan Koppen at center and mobile mauler Logan Mankins. The Browns have one of the greatest run-stuffers of all time in 6-foot-5-inch, 375-pound nose tackle Ted Washington. Now in his 17th season, this behemoth generally holds up a pair of linemen, freeing space to allow the linebackers to roam. Inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson is a hard hitter who excels against the run. He excels at reading and reacting and has outstanding lateral movement.
EDGE: Patriots
WHEN THE PATRIOTS PASS
If the Browns are to have any chance Sunday, they have to pressure Tom Brady. The superstar quarterback has been putting up ridiculous numbers simply because he's been able to sit in the pocket forever and dissect secondaries. The Browns have the resources to get to the quarterback. Massive end Orpheus Roye (6-4, 320 pounds) overwhelms blockers with brute strength. Robaire Smith is faster than any 6-4, 328-pound end has a right to be. He shoves blockers aside with humongous arms and steams to the backfield. Outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley is an emerging star. Wimbley (6-3, 245) is equally comfortable rushing the passer or dropping into coverage. When he gets the quarterback in his crosshairs, look out. Ex-Patriot Willie McGinest, now in his 14th season, provides invaluable leadership to this young defense. Starting corners Leigh Bodden and Eric Wright will have their hands full with the Patriots' receiving corps. Bodden (6-1, 193) is a very good cover man who excels at jamming receivers and then quickly backpedaling into position. He'll be matched up with the monster that is Randy Moss. Free safety Brodney Pool has excellent range but gambles a little too often.
EDGE: Patriots
WHEN THE BROWNS RUN
Reports of Jamal Lewis's demise have been greatly exaggerated. The 5-11, 245-pound bruiser, who many believed was done as a feature back, has shown flashes of his old self in his first year in Cleveland. Lewis is a classic between-the-tackles runner. A tailback trapped in a fullback's body, he runs low and has excellent balance. Lewis lacks speed and elusiveness, and won't often break off long runs into the secondary, but if it's third and short, he is your man. Jason Wright is the top backup and is sort of a mini-Lewis. Wright (5-10, 214) isn't speedy but runs tough and sees the field well. The Browns feature a tough front three in center Hank Fraley and guards Eric Steinbach and Kevin Shaffer. Fraley is smart and tough. He reads defenses well and is adept at picking up blitzers. Steinbach combines brains and brawn and is the Browns' best offensive lineman. The 6-6, 295-pounder delivers a quick, potent initial punch, often leaving his defender momentarily stunned. Shaffer is athletic but lacks speed. Establishing the run against the Patriots is difficult. The front three of Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren, and Jarvis Green dominate the point of attack, sealing off running lanes long enough for linebackers Adalius Thomas, Tedy Bruschi, and Junior Seau to seek and destroy ballcarriers.
EDGE: Patriots
WHEN THE BROWNS PASS
Derek Anderson came out of nowhere to seize the quarterback job, delaying the inevitable ascension of first-round pick Brady Quinn. Anderson relies on tremendous size (6-6, 230 pounds) and arm strength. He isn't fast or quick but uses his strength to buy extra time in the pocket. The biggest knock on Anderson is inconsistency. He has trouble reading defenses and often makes bad decisions. So far, however, he's kept his mistakes at a minimum. Expect Anderson to struggle Sunday as he faces a Bill Belichick defense for the first time. His top target is tight end Kellen Winslow. Beset by injuries early in his career, the 6-4, 248-pound Winslow has finally emerged as a legitimate threat. He has exceptional hands and tremendous speed. Sometimes, however, that gets him in trouble, as a well-timed hit will break his concentration. Receiver Braylon Edwards uses his exceptional size (6-3, 215) and speed to make plays. He can break away from press coverage and find soft spots in the secondary. Joe Jurevicius (6-5, 230) is very strong and runs smooth routes. New England's secondary has been exceptional and will get a boost if veteran safety Rodney Harrison returns.
EDGE: Browns
PREDICTION
Patriots 27, Browns 12
