CLEVELAND — The New England Patriots used a big second half to defeat the Cleveland Browns 38-15 on Sunday, as rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe won his second game in as many starts.
Zappe has certainly made the most of his opportunity since being thrusted into action after starter Mac Jones and veteran backup Brian Hoyer suffered injuries two weeks ago. The little known fourth-round draft pick out of Western Kentucky is even becoming a household name as fans are learning how to pronounce his name (pronounced ZAPP-ee) since coming onto the scene.
The win was also the 324th career win for coach Bill Belichick, who is now tied with George Halas for second on the NFL's all-time career win list.
The Patriots' offense took a while to get going in this one, and the Browns (2-4) never really did as their offense could only produce a pair of field goals by Cade York in the first half.
Rhamondre Stevenson would get the offense going, when he broke through the Cleveland defense and streaked down the sideline for a 31-yard score to give the Patriots 10-3 lead with 3:23 left in the half.
The Patriots would begin to pull away early in the second half, when Zappe hooked up with Jonnu Smith for a 53 yard gain to get down to the Browns 20, and then a 13-yard completion to Henry would set the Patriots up with first-and-goal at the 2.
Three plays later, Zappe would make a short toss to Thornton in the end zone to extend the New England lead 17-6 with 11:22 in the third period.
Zappe finished 24 of 34 passing for 309 yards and two touchdowns in the win.
Later in the quarter, Patriots linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley would hit quarterback Jacoby Brissett while in his throwing motion, leading to a pick by Jalen Mills, giving New England the ball at the Cleveland 40.
It would take three plays for the Patriots be cash in on the turnover, as Zappe found a wide-open Henry, who would run virtually untouched in the end zone for a 31-touchdown and a 24-6 New England lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Cleveland's Nick Chubb, who entered the game as the leading rusher in the NFL, was held in check for most of the day. Chubb finished the game with 12 carries for 56 yards, both season lows.
The Browns would manage another field goal as York came on to convert a 51-yard field goal 25 seconds into the fourth quarter and make the score 24-9.
Brissett, would later throw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Amari Cooper at the 6:22 mark of the fourth quarter but a 2-point attempt failed, making the score 24-15.
The Patriots (3-3) would put the game away with a 19-yard end-around for a touchdown by Thornton.
On the ensuing Browns' drive, Brissett would fumble the ball away, which would lead to Stevenson's second touchdown with 3:40 left.
It was the most points allowed by Cleveland this season and its most lopsided loss.
The Browns will travel to Baltimore to face the AFC North-rival Ravens next Sunday.
New England 3 7 14 14 = 38
Cleveland 3 3 0 9 = 15
First Quarter
NE — Nick Folk 19 field goal, 7:31
CLE — Cade York 39 field goal, 3:00
Second Quarter
NE — Rhamondre Stevenson 31 run (Nick Folk Kick), 3:23
CLE — Cade York 48 field goal, :26
Third Quarter
NE —Tyquan Thornton 2 pass from Bailey Zappe (Nick Folk Kick), 11:22
NE — Hunter Henry 31 pass from Bailey Zappe (Nick Folk Kick), 5:32
Fourth Quarter
CLE — Cade York 51 field goal, 14:35
CLE — Amari Cooper 15 pass from Jacoby Brissett (conversion pass failed), 6:17
NE — Tyquan Thornton 19 run (Nick Folk Kick), 4:28
NE — Rhamondre Stevenson 6 run (Nick Folk Kick), 3:40
Comments