How will the Browns limit Patriots' tight ends in Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper?
For Schwartz, one of the major points of emphasis in the Patriots' offense is their use of the tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. They are added threats in the pass game as pass catchers for Maye and execute their blocks in the run game.
This season, Henry has the second-most receptions for the Patriots with 24 catches for 310 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Henry's longest reception this season is for 31 yards and has made four plays over 20-plus receiving yards. Hooper has recorded 10 receptions for 116 receiving yards and one touchdown, with his longest catch for 24 yards. Hooper has also added two chunk plays of 20-plus receiving yards.
"Both (Austin) Hooper and Hunter Henry are playing really well for them, both in the run game and in the passing game, so that's probably a big thing," Schwartz said. "Just scheme specific, or opponent specific game plans. They do a good job of scheming up things that maybe are not advantageous to you, they do a good job putting their guys in position."
In a Patriots' offense that likes to utilize the deep ball, the Browns will have to defend multiple pass catchers, with Henry as the second-most targeted among the pass catchers.
"They do a great job with their tight ends," Stefanski said. "Hunter Henry's outstanding, a couple guys here have played with him and can talk about his skill set, and he's a really impressive player. Obviously, we know Hoop really well. Very versatile, good in the run game, good in the pass game. So, it allows them to deploy those guys in a variety of ways, whether they're in line, they're blocking or they're opened up, they can do a bunch of different things."