Sloppy play against the Saints on Thursday night didn't take the shine off the performance of Patriots' first-round pick Chandler Jones. After less-than-great first half, the Patriots needed to put together a 83-yard scoring drive behind backup QB Brian Hoyer, capped with a 3-yard TD pass to Britt Davis to make the difference at Gillette Stadium.
Jones impressive: In 26 snaps, first-round pick DE Chandler Jones totaled five quarterback pressures, including two drawn holding calls against Saints LT Jermon Bushrod, in his Patriots debut. Jones was also stout against the run, where he factored in two carries of 1-yard or less by the Saints.
Line woes: As expected, the Patriots' starting offensive line of mostly backups had a tough time against the Saints' front. Tom Brady completed just 4 of 7 passes for 30 yards, and his first series ended when he was strip-sacked by two Saints defenders. Nate Solder, making his first start at LT, had a really tough time against Saints DE Will Smith.
Patriots QBs struggle: All three QBs for the Patriots had a rough go, as Brady, Hoyer and Ryan Mallett combined to complete 20 of 41 passes for 161 yards, one TD and one INT (by Mallett). They combined for a rating of 57.4, with Mallett weighing in at 34.8.
Vereen shines: RB Shane Vereen, who has had a forgettable camp behind Stevan Ridley, Danny Woodhead and even undrafted Brandon Bolden, opened some eyes with 64 yards on 11 carries (5.8 average). His 18-yard run was the longest of the game.
Fletcher lost: Backup MLB and core special teams player Dane Fletcher is likely lost for the season after suffering what the NFL Network reported as a torn ACL in his left leg. With starter Brandon Spikes nursing a leg injury, the Patriots are thin at linebacker. Dont'a Hightower, the starting SLB, is the top backup at MLB. If Spikes is out, Hightower will have to start, and that would slide Bobby Carpenter into the starting SLB role.
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