ASSOCIATED PRESS Defense strong in rout of Lions
DETROIT — The Patriots benched their top defensive players last night, a standard decision for the preseason opener.
And they still fielded a starting-caliber unit to overwhelm the Lions secondstring offense.
The first game action of 2019 went about as well as it possibly could have for the Patriots, who jumped out to a 20-point halftime lead and coasted to a 31-3 victory. Rookie receivers Jakobi Meyers and N’Keal Harry excelled, although Harry left after he was injured on an acrobatic 25-yard catch. Rookie quarterback Jarrett Stidham flashed accuracy and athleticism.
Yes, the offensive explosion was a pleasant surprise. But the defensive domination only further reinforced the idea that the Pats are deep and talented at all three levels.
Jamie Collins predictably toyed with the Lions second unit. Rushing from the edge, Collins blasted by Lions tackle Tyrell Crosby to drop quarterback Tom Savage on the second series.
Collins, who was a free agent for several months before the Pats scooped him up, has been running with the starters ever since he signed in May.
“Jamie has been great,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said on 98.5 The Sports Hub before kickoff. “As you know, he’s very athletic. (He’s a) physical player, a talented player who can do a lot of different things. … He’s always done a good job for us and I think he’s going to help us. (I) think he’s had a good camp and we expect him to have a good year.”
On the play following Collins’ sack, Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley blitzed and hit Savage for a sack on third down.
Several other veterans made impact plays early: Defensive tackle Danny Shelton, a standout in the early part of training camp, pushed the pocket for a sack of Savage on the first series. Cornerback J.C. Jackson ran stride for stride with Lions receiver Andy Jones for an impressive pass-breakup on the third series. And at the 8:18 mark of the second quarter, defensive end John Simon anticipated a David Fales throw, jumped up at the line of scrimmage, and picked it off.
Derek Rivers, an athletic edge rusher whose career has experience has been limited by injuries, got into the Detroit backfield for two sacks.
In the third quarter, rookie linebacker Chase Winovich breezed past Crosby for another sack. He teamed with fellow rookie Byron Cowart for another in the fourth quarter. The Pats totaled nine sacks on the day. The Lions, improbably, netted 21 passing yards on 26 dropbacks.
Bottom line: Even though Dont’a Hightower, Devin McCourty, Jason McCourty, Kyle Van Noy, Michael Bennett, Jonathan Jones and Patrick Chung did not play, the Pats still were loaded with talent — and possess a nice blend of youth and veteran experience — on the defensive side of the ball.
Expectations are going to be high when the games actually matter.
Harry nicked up
Harry, who converted a third-and-10 on the first snap of his NFL career, exited following his second catch.
Harry limped to the sideline and was examined in the blue pop-up tent. He emerged and remained on the sideline for the remainder of the first half. Harry did not return to the sideline for the second half. He finished with two receptions for 36 yards.
Tight end Matt LaCosse, projected as the starter while Ben Watson serves his four-game suspension, limped off the field and walked slowly to the locker room just before halftime. He did not return. LaCosse had a nice 25-yard reception down the seam in the first quarter.
Cornerback Keion Crossen appeared to be evaluated for a concussion in the fourth quarter.
Stidham debuts
This was a promising debut for Stidham, who turned 23 yesterday.
Stidham displayed poise, accuracy, and athleticism en route to a 14-for-24, 179-yard performance.
On his first drive, the rookie escaped the pocket for a 10-yard gain on a thirdand-10, fighting for the final few yards. He connected with fellow rookie Meyers for a 5-yard touchdown three plays later.
Late in the first half, Stidham unleashed a deep ball down the right sideline for Maurice Harris. The ball was perfectly placed, but Harris couldn’t finish the catch (his left arm may have been pulled by a defender as he tried to haul in the pass). Stidham’s deep ball accuracy has been on display in practice, but it was important that he showed it in the game, as well.
In the third quarter, Stidham wiggled out of an Eric Lee sack, rolled to the right sideline, and found tight end Ryan Izzo foragainof7yards.
Stidham has made progress throughout the summer, and his first game action was certainly encouraging.