Digging Deeper: Analyzing Preseason Game One –New England Patriots vs Green Bay Packers
By Hal Bent
Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) takes with Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Julius Peppers (56) after a preseason NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
OFFENSE OVERALL:
The Patriots scored just one touchdown and were shut out in the second half. That is not often a recipe for success. However, they did get to see a number of depth players and potential fringe roster players for extended snaps on the field. James White had an up-and-down performance, struggling to run the ball and in pass protection, but dynamic in the passing game.
Wide receivers Chris Harper and Brandon Gibson stepped up while Josh Boyce did himself no favors. Jimmy Garoppolo was effective working underneath the defense, but did not have success down the field. Some of that was due to the spotty blocking up front with all five expected starters not on the field. There was some strong blocking in the running game as Jonas Gray was the beneficiary of it.
Quarterback Tom Brady was on the field to the delight of the fans but did not do much to move the ball. Overall, it was not a great performance by the offense, but with the cast of players on the field it was expected. With just 11 points, 14 first downs, and just 211 net yards, it was a weak game by the offense. Fortunately, the Patriots have time to improve in the preseason.