Green Bay Packers: Talking Defense in Preseason Opener

Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback

(12) makes a pass during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Drive No. 1 – 3 plays, 2 yards, 0:42 time

Tom Brady starts the game, to the surprise of many, and overthrows his receiver twice in the team’s first three plays from scrimmage. Backed up against their own goal line after the Packers sputtered in the red zone, Brady had little room to navigate his offense. The team punted the ball away after a failed third-and-eight conversion.

Drive No. 2 – 4 plays, 16 yards, 1:29 time

After yet another failed fourth down conversion by the Packers, the Patriots take over on their own 34-yard line. Brady completes his first pass on a quick slant to Brandon Gibson for 10 yards and moves the chains. Gray rushes the next two downs for a total of six yards, with the Packers having an opportunity to bring him down for a big loss on second down but missed the tackle several times. On third and four, Sam Barrington breaks up the pass attempt over the middle, forcing the Patriots to punt the ball.

Drive No. 3 – 4 plays, 79 yards, 1:27 time

The Patriots take over after the Packers get on the board first with a field goal. Garoppolo enters the game for the first time with 0:06 left in the first quarter. After a short run by Gray on first down, safety Morgan Burnett makes a great one-on-one tackle on ball carrier James White, bringing up third and seven. The Patriots then convert on a great catch by receiver Josh Boyce for a gain of 16 yards. On the ensuing first down, Gray bounces it outside and takes it to the house for a 55-yard touchdown run. A two-point conversion is attempted and Gray gets in the end zone untouched, pushing the score to 8-3.

Next: Quarter Two - Patriots Offense