At least the first quarter of preseason is valuable for a fan because that’s when the first team plays. As Richard Hill of Pats Pulpit points out, the Patriots should feel good because their first team defense had a solid day, if not quick day against the Saints in their 27-24 victory.
NFL Preseason: Patriots WR Julian Edelman Shines In 27-24 Victory Over Saints
From the get-go, the intensity was high and the defense came out and held the Saints to a quick three and out. The first play, Jerod Mayo stuffed Pierre Thomas for a three yard gain. Play two, a blitz that was led by a charging Gerard Warren and Marques Murrell, causing Drew Brees to essentially throw the ball into the ground. The final play of the series: a beautiful rush off the edge by Marques Murrell who sacked Drew Brees, with help coming from Tully Banta-Cain coming up the middle.The first team defense applied constant pressure, and played a few solid series, before handing the reigns over to the 2nd team.
Pats Pulpit has picked the stars of the game and the first one’s no surprise: Julian Edelman.
What can be said? This second year receiver was the monster of the game. He was a YAC machine, he caught everything and he showed why people might not have to worry about Wes Welker sitting out a couple games.
His final numbers: six catches for 90 yards.
Other players with solid games include Brandon Spikes, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Laurence Maroney and Chris Taylor as the players of the game, among many others. Check out their detailed explanations of the MVPs of the Patriots/Saints game.
Head on over to Pats Pulpit for more on the Patriots victory over the Saints.
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