Brady sharp in preseason debut as Patriots top Panthers 19-17

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Tom Brady appeared to be in regular season form Friday night.

Unfortunately for the New England Patriots, they may not see that form in a meaningful game until Oct. 9 when they face the Cleveland Browns since the three-time Super Bowl MVP will serve a four-game suspension to start the season.

Brady looked sharp in his preseason debut though, throwing a 33-yard touchdown pass to Chris Hogan in helping the Patriots to a 19-17 preseason win over the Carolina Panthers on Friday night.

At Redskins 21, Bills 16: Kirk Cousins found a groove and undrafted rookie running back Robert Kelley made the most of his chance and Washington beat Buffalo Bills in the third preseason game.

With the Bills (1-2) resting almost their entire starting defense, Cousins overcame a rough start to finish 12 of 23 for 188 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.

Steelers 27, at Saints 14: Ben Roethlisberger torched New Orleans’ defense for 148 yards and two touchdown passes on his first two series of this preseason, then got the rest of the game off while Pittsburgh rolled to a victory over New Orleans.

Roethlisberger, who sat out of the first two preseason games, opened by leading a 14-play, 76-yard drive on which he converted two third downs and found tight end Jesse James for a 5-yard score. His next series was highlighted by his 57-yard scoring pass down the left sideline to Antonio Brown, also playing for the first time this preseason. The Steelers star finished with 12 completions on 17 attempts.

At Buccaneers 30, Browns 13: Josh Gordon showed why the Cleveland Browns are so happy to have him back on the field.

The talented receiver with a history of suspensions for drug violations caught everything thrown his way in his preseason debut Friday night, scoring on a 43-yard reception and also hauling in another pass from Robert Griffin III for a 44-yard gain that led to a first quarter field goal.

Packers 21, at 49ers 10: Aaron Rodgers made the most of his only appearance of the preseason, throwing a touchdown pass to Randall Cobb in Green Bay’s victory over San Francisco.

Colin Kaepernick did not fare as well as he looked extremely rusty in his first game action since last November. He completed 2 of 6 passes and generated one first down on three drives.

Rodgers was held out of the first two preseason games despite being healthy and won’t play the exhibition finale next week; the veteran quarterback needs little game work to get ready for the regular season.

— Wire services