Patriots' defense on high alert for matchup that could rewrite their season

"Over the last five years, the Patriots have relied heavily on their defense to keep them in games, as their offense continued to fall behind and become more of a liability when on the field. A lot of that had to do with inconsistent quarterback play and less-than-stellar offensive playcalling, which has not been an issue this season so far."

"In fact, the offense has arguably been the better part of the team in the first seven games, but that doesn't mean the defense has fallen to the backseat. They have become a significantly improved group from last year and will face one of their toughest tests yet against the Browns this Sunday. Although Cleveland is far from an intimidating team, they do have a young roster of players with a lot of potential, the most imposing of which appears to be rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, who played alongside Patriots' rookie TreVeyon Henderson at Ohio State."

"The Patriots aim to extend their win streak to five games with their second home win against the Browns this Sunday, and the defense will be crucial in achieving that. The defense has played a pivotal role over the last four weeks, and that will need to continue against a very good running back in Judkins, who recorded 25 carries for 84 yards and three touchdowns just last week."

New England's defense has carried the team for much of the past five seasons while the offense struggled with inconsistent quarterback play and poor playcalling. This season the offense has improved and has arguably been the better unit through seven games, while the defense itself has also significantly improved from last year. The Browns present a difficult matchup with a young roster highlighted by rookie Quinshon Judkins, who starred at Ohio State alongside Patriots' rookie TreVeyon Henderson. The Patriots' run defense remains exceptional, not allowing any opposing player 50 rushing yards through seven weeks. Judkins rushed 25 times for 84 yards and three touchdowns last week, underscoring the need for New England's defensive front to contain him and preserve the team's win streak.

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