GLENDALE, Ariz. — The New England Patriots weren’t supposed to be competitive in their season opener against the Arizona Cardinals.
Lacking tight end Rob Gronkowski, left tackle Nate Solder and right guard Jonathan Cooper, the Patriots dropped down to 9.5-point underdogs. Never doubt New England.
The Patriots pulled out a close 23-21 win over the Cardinals and start the season 1-0 under Jimmy Garoppolo. This will be a team to be reckoned with when everyone is healthy and Tom Brady is back under center.
Here’s who stood out in the win.
JIMMY GAROPPOLO
Garoppolo was put in an extremely difficult situation without what was supposed to be his starting running back, left tackle, right guard, right tackle and star tight end. He still completed 24 of 33 passes for 263 yards with a touchdown.
Garoppolo wasn’t perfect, but his lack of a solid offensive line was very evident, as he was forced to dink and dunk down the field. He didn’t throw any interceptions, but he did lose a fumble.
CHRIS HOGAN
Hogan immediately made an impact with a 37-yard touchdown in the first quarter. He caught three passes on four targets for 60 yards with the score.
JULIAN EDELMAN
Edelman caught every pass thrown his way, hauling in seven catches on seven targets for 66 yards. He also contributed on the ground with three carries for 16 yards.
CHRIS LONG
Long showed up as a pass rusher and run defender in his first game with the Patriots, recording three tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss. Defensive tackle Vincent Valentine and linebacker Jamie Collins also had sacks. Defensive end Trey Flowers and linebacker Dont’a Hightower also recorded quarterback hits.
MARTELLUS BENNETT
Some might be down on Bennett after he caught just three passes for 14 yards. He also was called for a (bogus) holding penalty, when he blocked former Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones to the ground.
Bennett was extremely solid as a blocker, both in the passing and running game, however. And that was the job he was given in his regular season debut.
JUSTIN COLEMAN
Coleman might earned the nickel role for at least a few more weeks. He didn’t allow a reception on three targets and had two pass breakups in tough matchups against Cardinals receivers John Brown and Jamon Brown.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images