They’ll be more to look at as the offseason unfolds and Garoppolo should see some more time against first-stringers as it does, which should give a better impression of what the first four weeks of the season will look like.
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Take what you will from this game, but the Patriots’ formula for success when it comes to getting off to solid start without Brady was on display at Gillette Stadium Thursday. It wasn’t a pretty game, but the preseason isn’t supposed to be a finished product. Heck, the Celtics could finally swing that blockbuster deal for Russell Westbrook and it still wouldn’t be the biggest story in Boston sports. One woman was being rubbed with a cold water bottle. Commentators on the NFL Network were saying it “didn’t look good” for Mitchell to return anytime soon.
The trouble started on the Saints’ first possession when running back Mark Ingram fumbled in New England territory, squandering great field position delivered by a 37-yard Drew Brees to Brandin Cooks bomb. If Thuney keeps up his play, he could be a starter come Week 1. Brees was a ideal 1 for 1 before leaving after the opening series.
When he threw that pick six on his first pass attempt, I said, “Oh, boy, this could be a long night for Grayson”. Granted, it was a offense without Tom Brady, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski, but it still showed good improvement from last year’s opening game against the Ravens. “So, I’m good.”.Former Rutgers football player turned motivational speaker Eric LeGrand was at practice Wednesday, and addressed players afterward. He was targeted four times and had three receptions for 33 yards. A young QB’s best friend is a good tight end, especially a 6-foot-6 giant. He also did a nice job standing in to make a throw on a 56-yard screen pass to James White.
With emotions still running very high on Deflategate, panic set in very early for Pats fans.
On defense Kasim Edebali had two sacks which was great to see. It did seem like Grugier-Hill was calling the defensive signals when in the game.
He started the third quarter with a dart to Aaron Dobson for 15 yards. Thomas caught a 25-yarder in the first quarter, where he was falling back along the sideline and tapped his heels to complete the reception.
Sacked twice, one in which he retreated backwards for a bigger loss than needed given the initial rush, Garoppolo did show the ability to take a hit. On the next play LeGarrette Blount powered into the end zone. “I’m right there, I’m ready to go, but the Von I know I can be and I want to be, I’m not there yet”. “But I thought he moved the offense well”.
Jimmy Garoppolo prepares to make a pass in the first half of the Patriots’ preseason opener against the Saints. The offensive line struggled at times to protect Garoppolo.
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“We talk to the quarterbacks all the time about different situations, with that being one of many that we’ve discussed”, Belichick said.
