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Patriots preseason Week 4: Kneejerk reactions from finale

By Connor Fulton

Sep 1, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) points at the defense of the New York Giants in the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) points at the defense of the New York Giants in the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New England Patriots wrapped up the preseason with a 17-9 loss to the New York Giants.

Here are some kneejerk reactions from events that occurred over the course of the game.

  • Several nice punt returns by D.J. Foster. The Patriots are most likely going to stick with Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and Cyrus Jones as the main punt returners, but it’s nice to know that Foster is capable of the job.
  • Anthony Johnson playing with starters. Johnson is knocking on the door to crack the final roster.
  • Tom Brady missing on his first four passes, including an interception, was not a great sight to see. But it’s better for Brady to work out these problems now rather than let them fester for four weeks.
  • Some nice deep coverage by Justin Coleman.
  • Roster hopeful Elandon Roberts committing an illegal hands to the face penalty that killed a nice play by Barkevious Mingo and kept a Giants play alive. That’s not going to be fun to rewatch in the film room.
  • Mingo flying all over the field.
  • Foster pulling off the wheel route and catch for a nice gain. That’s a route James White has shown struggles with in the past.
  • Anthony Johnson rocking Orleans Darkwa at the line of scrimmage and stopping him in his tracks. Johnson is tracking upward right now.
  • Aaron Dobson hauling in the deep ball, something Patriots fans have been wanting to see out of the fourth-year pro all preseason.
  • Foster fumbling after making a nifty one-handed catch. The ball was visibly away from his body after the reception and before the ball was jarred loose from behind.
  • Mingo smashing into the backfield and using his length to drag down the Giants ball carrier.
  • Jordan Richards making up for giving up a long completion by using his range to pick off Ryan Nassib in the end zone. Richards will most likely make the team, but plays like that certainly don’t hurt.
  • Brissett extending his three-game completions streak to 16 by connecting on his first three attempts (which is more than Brady can say; he started 0-4).
  • A.J. Derby continuing to answer the call. His third-quarter hurdle was a sight to see.
  • Keshawn Martin committing a gross hold that nullified a Foster touchdown. Yuck.
  • Johnson slipping into the backfield while Paul Perillo was raving about him on the air.
  • Another game, another impressive punt return by Cyrus Jones. 44 yards this time.
  • Nice pop by Kamu Grugier-Hill in punt coverage.
  • Elandon Roberts gutting it out, making tackles while clearly playing injured.
  • Jonathan Jones getting beat on a touchdown pass, something that could hurt his stock substantially.
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