FOXBORO, Mass. — Brandon Browner only knows one way to play: with high intensity.
The New England Patriots cornerback gives his team an added level of physical play, and his style should be no different now that the playoffs are here.
“I like to play hard, regular season or postseason,” Browner said Tuesday. “That’s just my makeup, I guess. I like to go hard regardless. If we were in the park in the offseason, I’d try to bust your butt.”
That intensity is what drives Browner to get in receivers’ faces at the line of scrimmage and to use his length to break up passes. Browner was flagged for a hard hit on San Diego Chargers tight end Ladarius Green in Week 14, drawing a costly 15-yard penalty that negated a pick-six by Patriots safety Devin McCourty. The play hurt the Patriots at the time, but it also seemed to spark a comeback win.
Browner should continue to bring intensity Saturday in the Patriots’ divisional-round matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, when he’ll line up across from either Steve Smith or Torrey Smith. Browner says neither player should be too difficult to jam at the line of scrimmage.
“From what I’ve seen so far, I don’t think so,” Browner said when asked if it will be difficult to get his hands on the speedy receivers. “Steve’s pretty savvy, though. He’s pretty quick at the line.”
Browner isn’t looking to put any added pressure on himself. So the expectations that came when he and fellow cornerback Darrelle Revis signed this offseason won’t be on his mind against the Ravens.
“I wouldn’t put that all on myself,” Browner said. “I’m confident in the guys around me. I’m confident in my ability. If I execute my part of the game plan, then we’ll be fine.”
Thumbnail photo via Denis Poroy/Associated Press
