This season, the New England Patriots are in search of a third Super Bowl title in four seasons. And that feat would mark the second time this magnificent franchise has achieved this feat dating back to 2001. But after two preseason contests, Bill Belichick is still looking for its first win. A 31-24 home setback the Jacksonville Jaguars was just followed up with a 27-23 loss to the Houston Texans. Is there anything to really be worried about here if you’re the head coach? We surely don’t think so. But there may be at least one area of the defense that could use a bit of help.
First things first. And that's the preseason debut of the franchise's legendary signal-caller.
Brady looking like…Brady
For the first time in 2017, we saw the five-time Super Bowl champion quarterback and the four-time Super Bowl MVP. Against the Houston Texans, Tom Brady would complete six of his nine pass attempts and pass for one touchdown. The latter was a 22-yard connection with running back Rex Burkhead. The touchdown capped off a 10-play, 75-yard drive executed in just over three and a half minutes. Brady would play just two series in the game before giving way to backup Jimmy Garoppolo. We would also see second-year quarterback Jacoby Brissett by game’s end. All told, the New England Patriots rolled up 339 total yards and were an impressive 7-of-15 on third down conversions.
There was also a Rob Gronkowski sighting as the talented tight end started the game but didn’t catch a pass.
Any defensive issues?
You will recall that the last time we saw the New England Patriots in a meaningful game, the team was being pushed around by the Atlanta Falcons for basically two and a half quarters in Super Bowl LI.
It all worked out in the end as Bill Belichick’s squad pulled out a 34-28 overtime win. But this offseason, the team went out to improve its defensive unit, specifically in regard to a pass rush that went from 49 sacks in 2015 to just 34 quarterback sacks this past season. The Pats traded for Kony Ealy (Carolina Panthers) and used a third-round pick in April on Youngstown State defensive end Derek Rivers.
But the rookie suffered a season-ending knee injury last week.
The team also revamped its secondary with the signing of former Buffalo Bills’ cornerback Stephon Gilmore. He’ll team with Super Bowl XLIX hero Malcolm Butler to give the team a potent combination. But the Patriots will need to find more answers in terms of pressuring the passer if those talented players are to hold up all season.
