The New England Patriots are without question one of the most intriguing teams to watch this preseason. Add in the fact that the team didn’t make many major offseason additions and there is no telling who will step up.
Advertisement
Mitchell dislocated his left elbow during the second quarter of the Patriots’ 34-22 victory against the Saints Thursday night, but he is expected to return in four weeks, two sources told the Boston Herald.
But coach Bill Belichick was impressed by something you won’t find in a stat line, Garoppolo’s toughness.
If he keeps having “decent” games like Thursday night, the rookie, who sits No. 4 on the depth chart, will force Sean Payton to give him more playing time.
“Anytime the defense can score, it’s a real game-changer”, said defensive end Chris Long, who was very disruptive in his first game with the Patriots.
Offense- Two big positives I saw on offense were Jimmy Garoppolo and Malcolm Mitchell.
On Thursday, Garoppolo completed just three of his first seven passes but settled in to finish 11-for-18 for 168 yards, with 56 of those coming on a screen pass to running back James White early in the second quarter.
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. Will Tyler Gaffney’s long touchdown run be the only time he gets to celebrate in the end zone in a Patriots uniform? LeGarette Blount finished the drive with a one yard touchdown run.
Before then, the Patriots will butt heads and bodies three more times in preseason games – the National Football League equivalent of boxing sparring sessions that lead up to the 16-game fight to get into the playoffs. They outgained New England 154 to 25 in total yards, New Orleans had eight first downs to just two for the Patriots. It wasn’t a awful game from a pass rushing perspective, but they could certainly improve.
Maybe we just need a flatter angle. If they can keep that kind of top-notch defensive playmaking, they are going to be very unsafe this season.
It was obvious in the short time that Martellus Bennett was in the game that he will be a flawless security blanket. In the end the team had 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 defensive touchdowns. Brady and Garoppolo will both utilize him early and often each week, and he will be a major key to their offensive success. He didn’t even come into the game until the Patriots were on their fifth series of the night, but he quickly made his presence felt. In Brady’s absence Garoppolo will likely be counted on more not to lose games than win them. New England certainly appears to have every piece in place to be a serious contender once again this season.
Advertisement
You see, since Brady wasn’t at the game, he didn’t get to see the wonderful pregame routine that the cheerleaders devised for him: They spelled his name out on the field. Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
