Tom Brady fakes the handoff to LeGarrette Blount, and Martellus Bennett stays in to block, which Browns cornerback Joe Haden recognizes.

So Haden falls back to double-cover Chris Hogan, and never sees Bennett leaking out into the flat.

Bennett also benefited from a healthy Rob Gronkowski, who drew two defenders in the end zone and allowed Bennett to streak free in single coverage. Notice James White is also wide open.

Defending Brady

On this playaction pass, center David Andrews sells the fake by down-blocking with his linemen, but his real responsibility is unblocked defensive end Carl Nassib.

Andrews better swing back around in a hurry, or Nassib will get a clean shot on Brady.

Andrews does a great job of setting up a wall.

And Tom Brady puts a perfect throw on Hogan for 43 yards.

Josh McDaniels had a little fun, twice putting Rob Gronkowski at the traditional left tackle spot (though still an eligible receiver) and Joe Thuney at the tight end spot (though still ineligible). Here Brady throws a quick screen to Hogan for the first down.

The Browns played their third-string center, and the Patriots schemed it up to take advantage.

Hightower delays his blitz up the middle until the snap (right).

Center John Greco doesn’t even see him (above).

And the play ends with a safety and a rib injury for Cody Kessler (right).

Rob Ninkovich played 24 of 63 snaps in his return and was used a bit differently. He mostly played outside linebacker instead of defensive end, and played more in space than on the line of scrimmage.