Patriots-Browns takeaways: Zappe makes statement in 38-15 rout<\/strong><\/h5>\nPredictably, the awkward exchange quickly became an Internet meme. Schooler shared his side of the story after the 38-15 Pats victory.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was just trying to — it was obviously a big game for him coming back to Cleveland,\u201d Schooler said, per NESN.com. \u201cSo, just a nice gesture: ‘Here’s the game ball.’ But I think I was a little too excited and should’ve waited until after.\u201d<\/p>\n
Schooler’s thought process was understandable as it was a big day for Belichick. The win marked the 324th of his legendary head-coaching career, tying him with George Halas for second all-time. The fact he accomplished the feat against the Browns, who fired him in 1996, was icing on the cake.<\/p>\n
Schooler was asked whether Belichick tying Halas factored into his decision to present him the ball.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it’s a little bit of everything,\u201d Schooler said. \u201cAnd it’s just like, you know, you obviously want to win on the road especially. It’s a big win on the road for us. It just happened to be in Cleveland this week. So, just trying to, you know, know the situation. But I think I should’ve waited a couple of minutes to go give it to him.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Despite Belichick’s snub, Schooler certainly made his head coach happy with his second muffed punt recovery of the season.<\/p>\n
The Patriots will look to earn their third consecutive win next week when they host the Chicago Bears for a Monday Night Football showdown.<\/p>\n