Brady even stunned NY on the drive, scrambling for a first down at the Giants 13.
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The 25-year-old linebacker/defensive end hybrid sat out the first three defensive series but played the remainder of the game, and it did not take long for him to make an impact.
The Patriots opted to start Brady in the final preseason game. The only reason I can see Brady taking the field is to stick it to any National Football League brass that may be in attendance.
A source confirmed to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Brady, who will serve a four-game suspension to open the season, will start ahead of rookie Jacoby Brissett during Thursday’s game. “That part, I think will be very challenging watching those games in September, but I’ll find ways to preoccupy my mind”.
Garoppolo said earlier in the week he wasn’t sure if, or how much, he would play against the Giants.
The last time Brady played in a preseason finale was 2014, when he held for an extra point just to see if he can do it.
Still, Brady’s third-down strike to Hogan kicked off a stretch in which Brady completed 14 of 19 passes for 169 yards and an easy touchdown to Martin. Throughout the first half of action against the Giants, Brady completed 16-of-26 passes for 166 yards, while throwing one touchdown and one interception.
Coughlin, of course, coached the Giants to a pair of Super Bowl victories over the Patriots. Starters will likely play little, if at all, but it will be an important night for “bubble” players trying to earn one of the final few spots on the 53-man roster. Thomas was 3 of 5 for 39 yards and a touchdown.
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Patriots: WR Devin Lucien left in the second half after making a catch and getting hit in the back by Mark Herzlich. “It’s still an opportunity for us to go through the process and prepare like we’re going to have to play next week, mentally and situationally, and just playing 60 minutes of football, or coaching 60 minutes as the case applies”. He came from Tampa, where (the Browns) were practicing, went to Carolina, came back with us. NY saw the retirement of Tim Coughlin and now moves forward with new head coach Ben McAdoo. “They responded, got a couple of turnovers and helped us out”.
