This is what we learned from the Patriots 33-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
QB Tom Brady is unbelievable
Brady finished the day 28 of 40 for 406 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. This was his first game back. There was no rust. He was mobile and aware in the pocket. He scrambled for yards. He had great touch on short passes. He was accurate on deep passes. He had a connection with all of his receivers. This is just the start.
The offensive line was stellar
We know the Browns don’t have a great pass rush, but the offensive line did a great job. LT Nate Solder was good, as expected, but rookie LG Joe Thuney, sophomores C David Andrews and RG Shaq Mason, and third-year RT Cameron Fleming were excellent, too.
Andrews did a good job against the beefy defensive tackles of the Browns, which have historically given him trouble. Fleming has played very well this year and could earn another start to ensure Marcus Cannon gets back to 100%.
The Patriots have more toys than they can handle
Chris Hogan gained 114 yards. Rob Gronkowski added 109 of his own. Martellus Bennett picked up 67 yards and 3 touchdowns. Julian Edelman led the team with 10 targets, although he only produced 35 yards.
Those are your base four skill players, while LeGarrette Blount and James White can share time with the fifth skill position. Dion Lewis will join this group when he returns.
Sorry to Danny Amendola, Malcolm Mitchell, and AJ Derby. They would probably see the field on almost any other offense in the league. There’s just not enough snaps to go around.
Rookie LB Elandon Roberts might be a stud?
The Patriots decided to rest LB Dont’a Hightower for a lot of the game and Roberts earned playing time over LB Jonathan Freeny. Roberts showed command in the middle of the defense and had a real nose for the ball and the play. Roberts led the Patriots with 7 tackles and a tackle for loss, but he also clogged rushing lanes and allowed other players to clean up the play.
K Stephen Gostkowski missed another field goal
Gostkowski connected on three extra points and a 31-yard field goal, but he missed a 50-yard attempt before the half. Gostkowski now has three misses on the year. These aren’t necessarily easy kicks, but you would hope that Gostkowski could connect at a better-than-average rate.