Patriots Fall 37-13 to Browns as 37 Absences Expose Defensive Depth
Updated
Updated · Boston Herald · Aug 28
Patriots Fall 37-13 to Browns as 37 Absences Expose Defensive Depth
3 articles · Updated · Boston Herald · Aug 28
Summary
37 sidelined Patriots left New England’s backups overmatched in a 37-13 preseason-finale loss, with Cleveland’s reserve offense piling up first-half scores against a thin defense.
Dillon Gabriel exploited that group by completing 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns, exposing weakness at defensive tackle, linebacker, edge and cornerback.
Kyle Williams provided the Patriots’ brightest moment with a 45-yard touchdown among two catches for 55 yards, his third TD in three preseason games after Kayshon Boutte’s trade opened depth-chart room.
Roster decisions now loom beyond the loss: punter Matt Haack averaged 46.5 yards while filling in for injured Bryce Baringer, and backup quarterback Behren Morton’s uneven finale still left open his case for a spot.