Patriots @ Browns First Half Thoughts

As the New England Patriots head to half time of their Week 5 match up with the Cleveland Browns up 23-7, here are some things that stood out in the first half of play. 

Starting Fast- As was expected with Brady back at quarterback, the New England offense was back to it's dynamic and quick approach early against Cleveland. On their first offensive series of the game, the Pats moved 80 yards down the field on eight plays for a touchdown. Under center for the first time this season, Brady was nearly flawless, completing four of his five pass attempts for 65 yards, including two completions to All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski for 53 yards. The drive was capped by a goal-line score from power back LeGarrette Blount, who carried the ball three times for 15 yards total in the first eight plays.

TB12 Is Rolling- There has been absolutely zero signs of rust for Brady, in his first action of the season. The future Hall-of-Famer has been just about as unstoppable as possible through the first half of action, going 18 for 25 for 271 yards and 2 scores. Of course, the Cleveland defense isn't among the top units in the league. It seems safe to say, however, that with the already large chip on his shoulder growing over the past few months because of his suspension, the 39-year-old is clicking on all cylinders right now. It would be tough to make a case that any defense could stop him right now.

Gronk Is Alive- After slowly working his way back into game action thanks to a hamstring injury suffered in training camp, Rob Gronkowski appeared rejuvenated by the return of his veteran quarterback on Sunday. Being targeted twice on the team's opening drive, the All-Pro tight end caught both passes for 53 yards. Gronkowski's second reception of drive was a third down conversion that saw him make the catch around the first down marker then accelerate to rumble another 20 plus yards down the field to the Cleveland one-yard line, setting up the team's first score. Not only did the play help prolong the scoring drive, but it also showed that Gronkowski appears to be getting back to full strength. Showing his quick burst and ability to make tacklers miss was a welcomed sight for Pats Nation. Throughout the first two quarters of play, the tight end has three catches for 60 yards.

New Connections Working- Brady has connected well so far with two of his newest receiving options; Martellus Bennett and Chris Hogan. Targeting Bennett three times in the first half, Brady and the tight end have connected all three times for 14 yards and two scores. Brady has been just as successful in his deep work with Hogan, connected on all four passes he sent the wide out's way for 114 yards, including to deep balls that put New England deep in Cleveland territory.

Still Room For Improvement- While things are going really well for the Pats here in the first half of play, their defense could still play better. The Pats defense allowed Cleveland to shred them on their second drive of the game, as they went 75 yards on nine plays for a score. On the drive, New England struggled to make stops on third down and create pressure on the quarterback, which led to the touchdown. Since then, they have tightened up a bit and forced a safety, but they must improve on third down and creating rush for when they play better, more offensively capable teams.

Something Is Wrong With Gostkowski- It seems safe to officially say something is up with Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski. The usually sure-footed kicker missed his fourth field goal of the season just before the half, as he failed to connect on a 50-yard attempt. Gostkowski hasn't seemed right since he miss an extra point in the AFC Title game last season that wound up costing New England the game. Too many times this year, he has pushed the kick to far right, failing to nail it as per usual.