(Hat Tip to NinjaZX6R)
Mike Reiss is reporting that strong safety Pat Chung will be out against the Cleveland Browns. This will be his second week out since injuring his knee against the San Diego Chargers. The Patriots have missed his presence when it comes to guarding tight ends and this week should be no different.
After he was taken out of the Chargers game, tight end Antonio Gates had a fantastic fourth quarter which brought the Chargers back into the game. Undrafted Free Agent Segio Brown was thrust onto the field and played well, but was no Pat Chung as Gates had 4 catches for 50 yards and a touchdown. Last week, the Patriots put typical Free Safety James Sanders on Visanthe Shiancoe to 4 catches for 38 yards and no touchdowns.
As the Patriots play the Browns, with their leading receiver being tight end Ben Watson, the Patriots may see the effect of not having Pat Chung. Look for the Patriots to put James Sanders on Watson all game as they try and limit the Browns' passing game.