The New England Patriots looked helpless 28 minutes into their second preseason game.
The New Orleans Saints’ first-team offense moved the football with ease on the Patriots’ first-team defense, New England’s offensive line couldn’t open a hole for a field mouse, and Tom Brady was just 2-of-5 passing for 13 yards. Then the Saints’ starters came off the field, Jimmy Garoppolo got hot under center, and the rest of the game was a much more positive experience for the Patriots. It’s not time to overreact one way or the other after the 26-24 victory.
The Patriots still are experimenting with their secondary, evidenced by Devin McCourty’s play at cornerback, and they started three rookies along their offensive line, including undrafted center David Andrews.
Garoppolo looked great, but he was playing against reserves. Still, it’s a positive sign after the backup QB struggled in the Patriots’ first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
Here are six Patriots who stood out positively on Saturday night:
JIMMY GAROPPOLO
The Patriots backup quarterback led New England to a comeback victory after they trailed 21-0 late in the second quarter. He showed off impressive accuracy, completing 28 of 33 passes for 269 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Even with the ill-advised throw on his turnover, this was Garoppolo’s best game with the Patriots.
Garoppolo showed nice chemistry with wide receivers Chris Harper, Jonathan Krause and Brandon Gibson in the final three quarters. He was going against the Saints’ backup defenders, but it still was an impressive performance.
He threw the touchdown to Harper after evading pressure and escaping a sack, finding a wide open Harper in the end zone.
CHRIS HARPER
Harper had five catches on eight targets for 69 yards with a touchdown. Harper saw the play break down around him on the touchdown and found an empty spot in the end zone where Garoppolo could hit him.
Harper also had two punt returns for 55 yards, putting the Patriots in good field position. He’s fighting for a spot on the roster and making a strong case. He would have to beat out two of Gibson, Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce.
DION LEWIS
Lewis sat out the Patriots’ first preseason game with an injury, but he immediately stood out with solid pass blocking skills. He also showed off quick feet and a burst off the line of scrimmage.
Lewis ran the ball three times for 12 yards with an 11-yard touchdown. He also caught five passes on five targets for 36 yards.
JAMES MORRIS
Morris continues to look like the Patriots’ best reserve linebacker. He stood out Saturday night with a forced fumble. He ran down Saints wide receiver Josh Morgan and popped the ball out from behind, straight into safety Jordan Richards’ arms. The turnover helped spark the Patriots’ comeback.
JABAAL SHEARD
Sheard had two run stops for no gain, and he recorded a third-down quarterback hit on Ryan Griffin early in the second half, which forced the Saints to attempt a missed 55-yard field goal. Sheard has stood out in two consecutive preseason games now, and it appears he’ll be a big part of the Patriots’ improved pass rush this season.
BRADLEY FLETCHER
Fletcher made the most of his snaps in mop-up duty. He had two pass breakups, including one in the end zone, which forced the Saints to kick a field goal.
Thumbnail photo via Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports Images
