Fans can now breathe a sigh of relief after the New England Patriots routed the New Orleans Saints 36-20.
Last week’s loss gave the Patriots a much-needed reality check with many skeptical of the Patriots moving with elite fashion in Julian Edelman’s absence. The team put those worries to bed for now after going back to their roots as a quick pass team.
Signal-caller Tom Brady from the first bell, was outstanding becoming only the second 40-year-old quarterback in NFL history since Warren Moon to have three touchdowns and 400 yards in one game.
Dorsett catching on fast; running backs involved like they should be
“To be 0-1 with a 10-day break felt like a year,” Brady said after the game.
The Patriots even with their receiver position running dry, made do with what they had with Philip Dorsett catching three balls for 68 yards despite seemingly still learning the offense as he has been with team less than a month.
The Patriots may have hinted at what is to come for their offense with the use of their fastest running backs Dion Lewis and James White as wide receivers in the slot. The versatility of all their offensive pieces will be counted on in the future.
Deatrich Wise Jr. Igniting Patriots Pass Rush; Defense Shows Improvement and
Rookie Deatrich Wise Jr. was a constant force on the defensive line and has given the Patriots a great rushing presence which is what they needed desperately.
Trey Flowers applied pressure as well with the two men in the middle Adam Butler and Malcom Brown stopped the two power backs Mark Ingram II. and Adrian Peterson only rushing for 78 total yards.
While the defense is still giving up a huge amount of yards, this was a great test and they passed.
Injury updates for key players
Rob Gronkowski landed awkwardly on a catch and run injuring his groin in the process. Luckily, Gronkowski will more than likely be back on the field next week after spending the rest of the game on the sideline walking with no limp and riding the stationary bike.
Gronkowski proceeded to tell reporters simply “I’m good” about the injury and while he may be featured on the injury report, it can comfortably be said that he will be in the starting lineup next week.
Rex Burkhead left very early with an injury to his ribs after scoring the first touchdown of the game. Nothing much else has been disclosed about the injury and we will keep you posted on the extent of the injury.
Chris Hogan and Philip Dorsett were on and off the field with minor injuries and luckily seem just fine as the Patriots need all the depth they can get at the receiver position.
Eric Rowe left the game with a groin injury and like Burkhead, the severity of the injury is still undisclosed at this time. Rowe surprisingly started over all-pro Malcolm Butler and has played very well this year in his second year with the team.
Up next
The Patriots will be back at it next week at home against the Houston Texans. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
