The Patriots are on their manner to Cleveland for Sunday’s matchup in opposition to the Browns, and their beginning quarterback made the go back and forth.
Although he stays questionable, Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (ankle) is heading to Cleveland with the remainder of the staff and may just go back to motion on Sunday.
The second-year quarterback has overlooked the remaining two video games due to a high-ankle sprain that Jones suffered at the ultimate offensive play in a Week 3 loss to the Ravens. In his stead, rookie Bailey Zappe stuffed in with a win in his first occupation get started remaining week in opposition to the Lions.
The remaining time we noticed Jones, the Pats QB just about outdueled Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in a high-scoring contest. Despite throwing for 321 passing yards and finishing six throws over 20 yards, the tale was once Jones’s 3 interceptions, together with a turnover finally zone with the Patriots using to take the lead within the fourth quarter.
New England used a extra conservative means with fewer turnovers whilst Zappe was once beneath middle, which restricted the explosiveness of the offense, but additionally secure the soccer. We may just see a steadiness between the ones two recreation plans if Jones returns on Sunday.
Along with Jones, the Patriots did not rule out operating again Damien Harris (hamstring), who’s reportedly coping with an harm that would motive him to pass over video games. As of now, the Pats operating again has no longer been dominated out and may just lend a hand Rhamondre Stevenson assault Cleveland’s run protection that ranks thirty second in Football Outsiders’ DVOA metric this season.
Although it is excellent information for the Patriots beginning quarterback and one-half in their best operating again duo, the staff did rule out cornerback Jonathan Jones (ankle) and large receiver Nelson Agholor (hamstring) on Saturday. They don’t seem to be touring to Cleveland.
With Jones proceeding as a key element to New England’s secondary, the cornerback spot reverse Jalen Mills in opposition to a run-first, heavy workforce Browns offense might be price tracking. Despite being a turnover device, rookie nook Jack Jones has struggled with tackling, which is a big side of this recreation for New England’s protection. Instead, lets see essentially three-safety nickel with two corners at the box, most likely Mills and Myles Brant, who’re certain tacklers.
As for Agholor, he did not see the sector after tense a hamstring harm and shedding a go that led to an interception in a 29-0 victory over the Lions remaining week. With rookie speedster Tyquan Thornton now lively, the second-round select may just see extra taking part in time to deliver a downfield component, whilst Kendrick Bourne will have to additionally play extra with out Agholor.
After transferring him to the apply squad this week, large receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey is one candidate to be a tradition squad elevation to upload intensity on the place.
The Patriots and Browns will kick off at 1 pm ET at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday in Cleveland.