Browns running back Peyton Hillis was an absolute beast today in Cleveland, running around, over and through Patriots defenders and leading the way offensively as Eric Mangini’s team gave Bill Belichick’s team a 34-14 beatdown.
Hillis carried 29 times for a career-high 184 yards and two touchdowns, and he also caught all three of the passes thrown to him and added 36 receiving yards. This game was never close, and by the fourth quarter the only drama related to players faking injuries and awaiting the Mangini-Belichick post-game handshake. (Which appeared to be cordial.)
Mangini got a Gatorade shower as the Browns improved to 3-5 with the win.
Browns rookie quarterback Colt McCoy played very well, completing 14 of 19 passes for 174 yards, with no turnovers. McCoy also ran for a touchdown.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had fine numbers -- 19-for-36, 224 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions -- but he looked a little off all day, and the Patriots’ offense never really got going. It was a highly disappointing game for the Patriots, who fall to 6-2. At least they can take some consolation in knowing that in this year without any great teams, they’re still tied for first place in the AFC East, and for the best record in the NFL.