1. Defense: The Patriots’ most maligned unit from a year ago looked much better across the board. For the first preseason game, there weren’t many breakdowns in assignments, and the tackling was sound. That’s a good step in the right direction. The Patriots, led by LB Jerod Mayo, covered much better. Saints QB Drew Brees often couldn't find anyone to throw to (TE Jimmy Graham didn't play). Mayo had a spectacular tackle of Saints RB Darren Sproles after just four yards on third-and-8.
2. Special teams: The Patriots’ coverage teams were outstanding, which allowed punter Zoltan Mesko to have a 45.0 net on eight kicks. That’s All-Pro level. Mesko was terrific with a 47.8 average and 4.64 seconds of average hang time. Special teams were in mid-season form.
3. Chandler Jones: The top draft pick very much looked the part in 26 snaps of sometimes dominating play against Saints LT Jermon Bushrod, who is one of the better LTs in the league. Jones had four of the Patriots’ 16 total QB pressures, and factored into two stuffed runs (carries of 1 yard or less).
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