Stay solid on special teams
Playing in an environment like Gillette Stadium is not easy, according to assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone.
Ventrone noted that the weather at the stadium isn't ideal, with one side of the field open to the outside of the stadium, making it windier than a normal NFL stadium. Cleveland's special teams unit received a good test of kicking in bad conditions in Week 7, dealing with heavy rain and wind.
K Andre Szmyt made his lone field goal attempt and went 4 of 4 on extra points in Week 7 amid the conditions. Szmyt hasn't missed a kick in the last three games, making 5 of 5 field goal attempts, including making a 53-yarder against Pittsburgh. P Corey Bojorquez punted six times in Week 7, getting three punts within the 20-yard line and averaging 43 yards per punt.
"It's a tough place to kick. The weather's never good there," Ventrone said. "It looks like the weather might be decent for our game, but who knows. We just played in some weather and some elements this past weekend, so I think that was a good thing for us."
Staying solid on special teams also includes limiting New England's special teams unit. Ventrone noted weapons like S Brenden Schooler, who plays on multiple special teams units and was a first-team All-Pro in 2024, calling him the best special teamer in the NFL. Ventrone also mentioned Patriots K Andres Borregales, who is 5 of 5 on field goals and 16 of 16 on extra points in the last five weeks.
"The kicker's done a nice job. Obviously looked at the snapper in the pre-draft process," Ventrone said. "Both of those guys have done a nice job to this point. The guy that is a huge problem is 41, (Brenden) Schooler. He is everywhere. He's the best in the league. It's crazy."