“He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had”, said Brady. The newly acquired receiver caught 3 receptions for 68 yards, including a nice 38-yard reception from Tom Brady.
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I’m not sure that the Patriots are weak in anything but after last week it sure looks like saying that the NE Defense is weak would be right on point. This might be his last season leading the Saints.
Patriots fans did get a scare late in the third quarter when Gronkowski got up gingerly following a long pass reception.
But the Patriots responded by scoring 10 points in the final 4:47 of the half and put the game away.
Brady was masterful, completing 30 of 39 passes for 447 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions for a sparkling 139.6 passer rating.
NOTES: The Patriots played without WR Danny Amendola (concussion/knee) and LB Dont’a Hightower (knee). Obviously the Saints would like him to return as soon as possible, especially with veteran starter Delvin Breaux on injured reserve with a broken fibula for the first eight weeks of the season. The former Bills back finished with 18 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown. The Saints look like a team that is on the verge of some rocky times. Does that mean I think he’ll shit the bed again in this game?
Roethlisberger threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Martavis Bryant to cap the Steelers’ second possession and found JuJu Smith-Schuster for a four-yard shovel pass early in the second quarter. I’m not really concerned about the stats.
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan runs for yardage after a catch with New Orleans Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) and linebacker A.J. Klein (53) defending in the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday. I know everyone else is, but we came down here to win. “I would say that we’ve had some missed opportunities”, Brees said. “It is our home opener and we want to get everybody back on track”, Brees said.
Fantasy fallout: The Saints’ backfield time-share is still muddled. Half of their yards came by way of Mark Ingram on a meaningless, last-minute drive.
And it doesn’t get any easier for the Saints. But given the other injuries to offensive skill position players, Burkhead’s ailment could loom large if it impacts his availability for Week 3.
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By the end of the game the Patriots were left with Brandin Cooks at receiver, Dwayne Allen at tight end and a whole host of running backs who are at least comfortable in running routes out of the backfield.
