Let’s face it: The Dolphins began playing after this game started to get out of hand. It came at a price as New England (2-0) was dealt another blow at quarterback with Tom Brady already out his four-game “Deflategate” suspension.
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It’s probably why he had his team watching film of the Dolphins on their flight back from Arizona early Monday morning.
Coach Bill Belichick said before the season that this was one of the most skilled offensive teams he has possessed during his tenure in New England. McCown and Coleman connected again for an 11-yard score not long afterward, though the Ravens blocked the extra point and returned it for two points.
While Brissett didn’t look out of place in his debut, Garoppolo was as close to being the missing Brady as anyone in the New England camp could have hoped for. His one drawback is, of course, Rob Gronkowski, but there’s no reason to doubt Bennett’s chances of being that No. 2 tight end for an offense that will only get stronger as the season progresses. The Patriots scored five plays later and extended their lead to 28. He had two QB hits and a fumble recovery.
Garoppolo had been on fire, leading the Patriots to touchdowns on their first three possessions as they took a 21-0 lead. He got a hug from owner Bob Kraft and a Patriots jersey with his No. 34 and “Big Papi” on the back. That was supposed to be Dion Lewis, but he suffered an injury in August. With Wheaton missing the season-opening victory over Washington, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger turned heavily to rookie Eli Rogers, who caught six of the seven passes thrown his way for 59 yards and a touchdown, which came on a deflected pass. Had he been able to play the entire game, his stats could have possibly been much more impressive.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s sensational start as New England’s starting quarterback has hit a setback. If Brissett also goes down, the Patriots’ emergency quarterback could end up being receiver Julian Edelman, who played quarterback at Kent State.
Bennett did not do much in his Week 1 outing against the Cardinals, catching just three passes for 14 yards on four targets.
Behind rookie quarterback Dak Prescott, the Cowboys rallied for a fourth-quarter win Sunday at Washington and improved to 1-1.
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In relief, Brissett was 6-9 with 92 yards through the air and also rushed for 12 yards.
