Wednesday, September 29 Updated: September 30, 10:57 PM ET Baxter Bits: Patriots vs. Browns By Russell S. Baxter Special to ESPN.com |
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The Patriots make their first appearance in Cleveland since 1994 as these clubs play for the first time since 1995. While the Browns own an 11-4 overall edge in this series (including playoffs), the Patriots managed a 17-14 triumph at Foxboro in 1995 in the last meeting between the teams. Including playoffs, the Pats own a 2-6 road mark in this series, their last trip to Cleveland resulting in a 20-13 loss in the 1994 AFC First Round Playoffs. Patriots' last regular-season appearance at Cleveland resulted in a 13-6 setback in 1994. Numbers:Including playoffs, the Patriots have outscored the opposition a combined 620-351 points in 23 wins, and been outscored a combined 372-196 points in 15 losses dating back to '97. The Patriots have totaled 55 takeaways in 22 wins, 20 takeaways in 16 losses dating back to '97, including playoffs. The Browns have been limited to fewer than 200 total yards in each of their first 3 games in '99. Cleveland has allowed three or more sacks in each of their first three games in '99. They have been limited to 10 or fewer points in each of their first 3 games in '99. Things To Look For: While the Patriots' offense only dented the Giants' end zone once last week, QB Drew Bledsoe and his talented receiving corps continue to make life miserable for opposing secondaries. On the other hand, Browns' rookie QB Tim Couch continues to take his lumps, although Chris Palmer's club is slowly making strides. But keeping pace with Bledsoe and company is an entirely different story. Etc.: The Patriots are 3-0 for the second time in three seasons (1997-99) and just the fourth time in the team's 40-year history (1960-99), while Browns are 0-3 for the first time since 1984 (team was not in existence from 1996-98). |
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