BSJ Game Report: Patriots 38, Browns 15 - Zappe states his case with 300-yard day

Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ win over the Browns in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis — including turning point, second guesses, 3 up/3 down and two takes Bedard will likely want back:

BOX SCORE

HEADLINES

Bailey Zappe states case with Mac Jones on verge of return: Well, if you needed to see Zappe air it out to show what he can do as a possible full-time starter in the NFL, you got your wish on Sunday. With the running game largely bottled up against the league's worst running defense, the Patriots had to go to the air more than they likely wanted and Zappe delivered by completing 24 of 34 passes (70.6 percent) for 309 yards (9.1 yards per attempt), two touchdowns and a passer rating of 118.4. Even better: Patriots got 14 of their 20 first downs via the pass and converted 7 of 14 on third down. A little bit of context: Browns were 30th-rated defense in efficiency, though they were 16th against the pass, and were missing top CB Denzel Ward and DE Jadeveon Clowney.

Patriots completely befuddle Jacoby Brissett: If there's one thing you can bank on with Brissett — if you muddle the looks a bit with him, he will hold the ball and deliver the ball late and poorly. The Patriots executed that flawlessly, with Brissett completing 46.7 percent of his passess for just 5.9 yards per attempt, two interceptions and a handful more that were nearly picked off. 

Patriots largely shut down Browns vaunted run game: You figured the Patriots would enter this game with the top job being shutting down the league's best running game, and they largely did that. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt combined for 16 carries and 68 yards — 4.3 average is really good. Take out Chubb's 18-yard long and it was 3.3. A job well done.

Belichick ties Halas on all-time win list: The win — against the team that Paul Brown founded — tied Bill Belichick for second on the all-time wins list (including playoffs) with George Halas at 324. Only Don Shula remains for Belichick at 347.

TURNING POINT

With 5:30 left in the third quarter, the Patriots were seeking a knockout blow leading 17-6. On third and 1 from the Cleveland 31, the Patriots gave Zappe great protection, which allowed him to come off initial read and to find Tyquan Thornton for a rookie special touchdown and a 24-6 lead for the Patriots.

SECOND GUESS

The Browns going for two points, down nine. I hate that.

And the end of the Patriots' opening possession. First and goal at the 1-yard line, and they only got a field goal. Don't really mind the playcalls, but to run the same formation and personnel three times in a row ... unimaginative. If the Patriots started with a touchdown there, that game would be over a lot earlier.

THREE UP

Bailey Zappe: Did everything he was supposed to but, no, I don't have the fever, and I doubt the coaches will. Expect Mac Jones to start on Monday night against the Bears. Zappe continued to show tremendous poise, and his arm was a little more lively in this one. 

Hunter Henry: Was finally a focal point in the red zone as he had a TD and another big catch down there. It helps open up the rest of the offense. Four catches, 64 yards.

Deatrich Wise: Seems like he was all over the place with the Browns trying to shut down Matthew Judon. With the defensive line shorthanded (Wise himself was shaken up late), he was immense with three solo tackles, a sack, battled pass and forced fumble.

TWO DOWN

Isaiah Wynn: Allowed another strip-sack allowed and a false start, and was benched for Marcus Cannon at one point. Rotated back in.

Trent Brown: Tough assignment against Myles Garrett and he mostly fared OK, but gave up some plays and had multiple penalties.

TOP PLAYS

INJURIES

DT Christian Barmore (knee) left the game and did not return.

DB Cody Davis (knee) left game and did not return.

WR Kendrick Bourne (toe) left game and did not return.

TWO TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER

This performance won't change anything at the QB position: It's a fun story and you're welcome to get excited about what you saw from Zappe today — he did a great job — but it doesn't really matter what you or I think, it only matters what the coaches think. And I believe that they will decide that Mac Jones will be back under center against the Bears — if he's truly ready, Scott Zolak could start that game and the Patriots would win, and the win/opponent buys them more time to make sure Jones is healthy — and it's not really close in the coaches' eyes. 

This two-game winning streak doesn't change much: You can call me a hater, Mr. Negativity or whatever ... there's not really much in this four-game stretch that is going to make me say the Patriots are any better than what I thought before the season. This team should have started 1-3, they should win the next four — although the Jets being 4-2 makes things interesting, can't wait to see them on film — to get to 5-3, and then we'll see where they are heading into the final nine games of the season. I was in the same place last year during the seven-game winning streak that got them to 9-4, and I'm fine being the outlier. I go where the film tells me to go. It could lead me to think more. We shall see.