A solid game for Jimmy Garoppolo (11/18 completions 168 yds) and having Jacoby Brissett take some reps (7/13 completions 63 yds) drove the Pats pass the Saints 34-22 in preseason game 1.
Garoppolo started the game off a bit rough but found his groove later on as he connected with newly acquired TE Martellus Bennett a few times to drive down the field which led to TD’s from former Stanford RB Tyler Gaffney and LeGarrette Blount. Gaffney, who has been on the IR the past two seasons with serious injuries, is finally finding his niche with the Pats, who scooped him up two seasons ago from the Panthers, who cut him. With 9 carries for 64 yards and a score, Gaffney had the best running statistics from last night and is a pure athlete from what he did at Stanford.
Following Gaffney was three year running back James White, out of the University of Wisconsin. White had 3 carries for 12 yards on the ground and had a reception for 56 yards which was almost a touchdown but his knee was down at about the 1 yard line. Nonethless, White and Gaffney want roster spots and they are showing it early.
On the receiving side of things for Garoppolo, rookie Malcolm Mitchell showed his versatility and reliablity as he snagged 4 catches for 55 yards and then suffered a arm injury but is expected to be ok.
On the defense, Jamie Collins had a pick six off QB Garrett Grayson to make the score 6-0 then the two point conversion made it 8. Other players on the defensive side who made an impact were LB Shea McClellin, Trey Flowers, Kamu Grugier Hill, Ramon Humber and several others.
Next Preseason game: Patriots vs Bears 8/18
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