Patriots
( knee) and fullback Jacob Johnson (shoulder) also left the game with injuries, the Patriots mostly stuck to a formation featuring one running back, one tight end and three receivers, also known as an “11” personnel grouping.
In the passing game it meant more snaps for rookie receivers Jakobi Meyers and Gunner Olszewski. Meyers caught four passes for 54 yards and Olszewski had two catches for 34 yards.
Brady finished with his second straight 300-yard game, but he’s also been sacked seven times in two games and has thrown two of his three interceptions in those games. One of the sacks on Thursday
ended in Golden’s scoopand-score return.
Brady said he hopes the extra snaps will benefit the young receivers going forward, particularly as they get more comfortable in the playbook.
“I always said when I was young, I just was trying to be on time and not forget my playbook anywhere. These guys are kind of in a different role than that. They’re playing in games and contributing,” Brady said. “That’s what we needed. Anyone who’s on the active roster has to be ready to go. So, it was just good for those guys to catch some balls and gain some confidence.”
The good news for New England’s entire offense is it has 10 days to tend to its issues before visiting the struggling New York Jets (0- 4).
“It is a game of adver
sity and something that we were prepared for,” receiver Julian Edelman said of the limitations the Patriots are having to confront. “It wasn’t as pretty as we wanted it, but we were able to get it done. Hats off to defense and special teams for once again doing unbelievable things. We just have to hold our bargain up more.” WHAT’S WORKING The defense forced four more turnovers against the Giants, bringing its total to 16 (14 interceptions, two fumble recoveries). Linebacker Kyle Van Noy’s 22-yard fumble return for a score was the defense’s third touchdown this season. The Patriots surrendered their first passing touchdown of the season, but still have only allowed three touchdowns (two rushing, one passing) in 2019.