Sports
Jamie Collins Gets a Pick Six, Rookie CB Nabs a 1-Handed INT, and Other Plays from the Patriots-Saints Game You Should See
The Patriots kicked off the preseason with a 34-22 win over the New Orleans Saints.
Sure, in the end this game was just a preseason affair, but don't tell that to the players on the field trying to earn a job.
Jamie Collins made a case for a new contact, a rookie caught what may be his best interception this year, and a running back who missed the past two seasons played like he hasn't lost a step during the Patriots' 34-22 win over the New Orleans Saints.
It didn't take long for the Patriots defense to stand out. The Saints' first series was cut short by a player fumble recovery. On the next series, linebacker Jamie Collins had Patriots fans calling for a new contract.
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PICK-6 ALERT! We see you, @j_collins91! #NOvsNE https://t.co/OorYj9N00W
— NFL (@NFL) August 11, 2016
With an assist going to Patrick Chung, Collins returned the poor pass by Garrett Griffin 43 yards for a touchdown to make it an 8-0 game following the two-point conversion.
With the Saints driving in the third and the Patriots up 17-16, rookie Cre'Von LeBlanc's one-handed highlight reel worthy interception turned some heads.
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Cool shot of Cre'von LeBlanc's one-handed interception. #NOvsNE pic.twitter.com/iEwlYN3VdC
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 12, 2016
On the following drive, Tyler Gaffney, who has not played in the past two regular seasons due to injury, came back in style.
Tyler Gaffney missed the 2015 season due to injury. First preseason game back...44 yards TO THE HOUSE! #NOvsNE https://t.co/ESipfZkpoh
— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2016
On the defensive end, it was a solid evening for the Patriots. The team scored 14 of their 34 points off of defensive turnovers, including a Trey Flowers sack on Luke McCown that resulted in a fumble recovery and 18-yard touchdown run for the left end. The Gaffney score was made possible by the LeBlanc interception.
On offense, Jimmy Garoppolo was 11-18 with 168 yards passing. Jacoby Brissett took over in the second half and went 7-13 for 63 yards.
Malcolm Mitchell was the team's best receiver with 55 yards on four catches. He left the game just before halftime with an elbow injury.
Gaffney's 44-yard touchdown run was enough to make him the top rusher of the game with 64 yards.
The Patriots are back at it next Thursday when they host the Chicago Bears.
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