Football fans rejoice, it is almost time for a brand new season of NFL football.
It is no surprise that the New England Patriots are slotted as one of the favorites to make it to the Super Bowl.
However, Patriots fans were let down about the game on Sunday, Sept. 7. The 33-20 loss to Miami marks the first time the Patriots lost an opening day game since 2003.
The one positive you can take away was the return of Rob Gronkowski, who missed nine games last season with a knee injury. Gronkowski was able to catch a touchdown pass in his first game back.
For the Patriots, the one constant throughout the years has been Tom Brady. He did not play in their first game and they lost their preseason opener 23-6 against the Washington Redskins. There was not much to take away from this game besides the fact that football was back after a long off-season.
Brady made his preseason debut for the second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles and did what everyone expected him to do. He played for most of the first quarter, going 8 for 10 with 81 yards passing and a touchdown. He did throw an interception which was returned for a touchdown by Cary Williams when Brady’s receiver turned the wrong way on the route. This was a small error for Brady in what was overall a positive game for him.Patriots backup quarterbacks Ryan Mallett and rookie second round pick Jimmy Garoppolo looked solid in their roles. Mallett, was unfortunately traded to the Houston Texans for a draft pick, went 7 for 11 with 92 yards and a touchdown. Garoppolo went 6 for 12 with 72 yards and 2 touchdowns. Rob Ninkovich stood out on the defensive end for the Patriots, he picked up the teams only sack of the game and also had two tackles for a loss of yards. It was an even offensive attack, which is exactly what the Patriots are looking to do this year. They had a total of 250 passing yards, and also racked up 245 yards on the ground. The Patriots beat the Eagles 42 to 35.
AP Photo
The Patriots third preseason game was a good showing on all ends, and in typical Patriot fashion they weren’t too excited about it. Brady played the first three quarters. He went 17 for 21 with 204 yards passing and two touchdowns. Garoppolo came in for the fourth quarter and proved he was the guy to backup Brady. He went 9 for 12 with 105 yards passing and a touchdown. Julian Edelman was in form showing why he was Brady’s go-to receiver a year ago. He had 8 receptions for 99 yards. The Pats put on a dominating performance beating the Carolina Panthers 30 to 7.
The fourth and final preseason game was against the New York Giants. In a game where none of the starters played, Jimmy Garoppolo played all four quarters and got some much-needed playing time. He went 22 for 42 with 284 yards passing, a touchdown, and an interception. The completion percentage is something that needs to be improved. Garoppolo’s play has been encouraging as he prepares to be ready whenever his name is called, which hopefully will not be often. The Patriots lost the game 16 to 13 in their final tune-up before their regular season opener on Sept. 7 at the Miami Dolphins.The Patriots biggest off-season signing was Darrelle Revis. The former New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers standout cornerback signed for two years and $32 million. As a Jet, Revis was a spotlight player who gave opposing offenses fits. He always covered the top receiver and almost always was able to shut whomever it was down. After six seasons with Jets, Revis was traded to the Buccaneers. Many questioned his ability to fit in with a new defensive scheme. The media did not pay as much attention to him and he quickly turned around the Bucs defense. The five time pro bowler took them from being one of the leagues worst the year before to becoming above average. Revis will be a huge help to the Patriots defense this year.
Beloved by the fans and his teammates alike, Logan Mankins was traded after week three of the preseason. Mankins was someone who would do anything for the better of the Patriots. The six-time pro bowl offensive lineman, who spent his entire career protecting Tom Brady, was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after week three of the preseason. Mankins was drafted by the Patriots in 2005 and quickly became a staple to the team. With his grizzly beard hanging out the bottom of his helmet, Mankins went to two Super Bowls, was a five time all pro and is a member of all the Patriots 2000’s team. He was traded for tight end Tim Wright who will help out on the offensive end. Logan mankins was a true Patriot and will be missed.
Besides the recent trades and a first game loss on sunday, new england fans must remain positive that the Patriots season will turn around.
Mike Miezejeski can be contacted at mmiezejeski@keene-equinox.com
