Garoppolo begins work as Brady sub
Jimmy Garoppolo made his preseason debut, spreading the ball around for 168 yards, and Jamie Collins added a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown to help the New England Patriots beat the New Orleans Saints, 34-22, on Thursday night.
Garoppolo played the entire first half as he preps to start the first four games of the regular season with Tom Brady suspended for his involvement in the Deflategate case. Brady was not in the building Thursday, excused by the team to attend memorial services for a family member.
Other games
Mark Sanchez made a strong opening argument for Denver’s starting quarterback job, throwing for 99 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter in the defending Super Bowl champion Broncos’ 22-0 victory over Chicago. The former New York Jets quarterback completed 10 of 13 passes in the first quarter and led a game-opening 76yard touchdown drive . ... Cam Newton directed a 68yard drive in his only series, then stepped aside in Carolina’s 22-19 loss loss to Baltimore. Graham Gano kicked four field goals for the Panthers . ... Blake Bortles led Jacksonville on two scoring drives, the second capped by Chris Ivory’s one-yard run against his former team, in a 17-13 loss to the Jets . ... Matt Schaub made a successful return to his first NFL home, passing for 179 yards and leading three scoring drives in Atlanta’s 23-17 victory over Washington. Falcons starter Matt Ryan was 0 for 4 and could not manage a first down on two possessions . ... Philadelphia needed 1:37 to score its only touchdowns in beating sloppy Tampa Bay, 17-9. Ryan Mathews and Chase Daniel had short runs after fumbles. No. 2 overall draft pick Carson Wentz played just more than a half at quarterback for the Eagles, completing 12 of 24 passes for 89 yards. He also went flying acrobatically on a fourth-quarter run after a tackle by rookie cornerback Javien Elliott.
Etc.
Buffalo Bills safety Aaron Williams and wide receiver Dez Lewis were injured Thursday night following a hard collision at practice. Williams is being treated for a “suspected concussion,” the team said after practice. There was no update on Lewis.