On Thursday night, the Green Bay Packers went into Gillette Stadium and defeated the Super Bowl-champion New England Patriots 22-11 in NFL preseason action. Aaron Rodgers only played the first two series and despite driving Green Bay down the field twice, was unable to put up any points with the team twice turning the ball over on downs.
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Tom Brady played for the majority of the first quarter and completed 1-of-4 passes for 10 yards. Jimmy Garoppolo relieved Brady but looked poor, hitting on 20-of-30 passes for 159 yards and an interception. While the stats show Garoppolo playing pretty well, the youngster got away with multiple dropped interceptions and slow reads. If Garoppolo can’t go through his progressions with more authority, New England is in some trouble.
Three Stars
1. Scott Tolzien
Packers fans are hoping they never have to lay eyes on Tolzien during a meaningful moment this season, but he looked pretty solid in the preseason opener. Tolzien made a beautiful touchdown throw to Jeff Janis, hitting him for 26 yards to put Green Bay ahead 9-8 before a failed two-point conversion attempt.
2. Jonas Gray
Remember Gray? The guy who starred on Sunday Night Football last year against the Indianapolis Colts when he ran for four touchdowns and 199 yards? Well, he was back in name and deed on Thursday, rumbling for 74 yards on seven carries, including a 55-yard touchdown scamper.
3. Datone Jones
The Packers defensive end was rolling to get the season started, recording a pair of sacks. Jones could be a guy to give some help in the pass-rush department, putting a third threat on the field with Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers.
Injuries
There were no injuries of significance reported in this game.
Odds
New England was favored by one point and did not cover the spread.
Next Week
The Patriots will play the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on Saturday night while the Packers will host the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday.