New England Patriots: Studs and duds vs. Browns in Week 8

Stud: Julian Edelman

Julian Edelman continued his strong start to the 2019 campaign in Week 8 at home in Foxborough, leading all wide receivers through the air in the contest while having a strong impact on the game throughout its entirety. Edelman finished with a game-best 78 yards and two touchdowns receiving on eight receptions and 11 overall targets. Edelman was able to tally a game-long reception of 23 yards in the win.

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Although there has been some turnover at wide receiver for the Patriots so far this year, one constant and solid part of this team has been Edelman and his ability to be a reliable option weekly.

Dud: Rushing defense

Overall, New England’s defense played well and ultimately did enough to hold Cleveland in check while coming up with big plays when it mattered most. But one area where the Patriots could try and clean up is their inability to not limit the big rushes from the Browns.

Especially when it came to Browns running back Nick Chubb, who had multiple breakout rushes that led him to rush for over 100 yards in the contest, the Patriots weren’t able to limit his yardage on the ground and his breakout rushes during the win. Chubb finished with a game-best 131 yards on the ground with a total of 20 carries, although he was held without a touchdown run in the game.