The Patriots have dug an early hole for themselves with one big stupid mistake.
After the Browns’ opening-drive field goal, the ensuing kickoff was high and short. Rob Gronkowski called for a fair catch around the 20-yard line before letting the ball fall behind him. Sammy Morris tried to cover it up, but the Browns rushed in and grabbed the loose ball. A great catch from TE Evan Moore put the Browns just a few yards away, and Peyton Hillis pounded the ball in for the 10-0 lead.
There’s 55 minutes to go, but that’s the worst 5 minutes the Patriots have had in a long time.