If there’s anyone who doesn’t care about the preseason it’s the New England Patriots and Tom Brady, but considering how bad he’s looked in preseason games compared to training camp practices is a little bit perplexing.
The Patriots beat the Saints 26-24 but only once the backups were on the field, and only after falling behind 21-0. With Gronkowski sitting out, Brady looked bad, as he usually does without his big tight end, despite his dominance in combined practices this week with the Saints.
Brady completed just 2-of-5 passes for 13 yards, and he’s just 3-of-9 for 23 yards in five series this preseason so far.
The Patriots do need to feel good about his backup, who has a very good shot of starting in the first month of the season if Brady’s suspension is upheld. Garoppolo helped the Patriots score on five consecutive drives, finishing with 269 yards and one touchdown pass, but was also intercepted once.
Besides Gronkowski taking a rest, Brandon LaFell and Julian Edelman not being on the field didn’t help Tom Brady look any better.