Patriots drop Saints for first win of the season

The goal for New England was to start fast and not let up. They did exactly that. The Pats scored 20 points in the first quarter alone behind a masterful day from Tom Brady a solid ground attack between Mike Gillislee, James White, Rex Burkhead and Dion Lewis.

While the offense seemed to find its groove, it may have come at a price. Chris Hogan Philip Dorsett and Rob Gronkowski all suffered injuries. None of them looked serious, but with the Patriots thin in terms of pass catchers, this will be something to monitor moving forward.

Brady finished the day going 30-of-39 for 447 yards and three touchdowns. Gillislee was the lead back today despite the Patriots featuring Burkhead, who scored the first touchdown of the game off a beautiful play action pass from Brady, often in the beginning of the game. The former Bill rushed 18 times for 69 yards and one touchdown and looked strong and confident, often carrying multiple defenders with him.

Gronkowski also had a nice day, catching six passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. On the touchdown play, he broke free from two tacklers down the sideline and rumbled into the end zone. 

You know what happened next... Gronk winded up and slammed the ball into the turf for what was the first of hopefully many Gronk Spike's on the year. 

For New Orleans, Drew Brees went 27-of-45 for 356 yards and two touchdowns. Early on, the Patriots had no answer for Michael Thomas and Brandon Coleman. Coleman caught the Saints' first touchdown of the game and finished with four receptions for 82 yards including the touchdown. Thomas had five receptions for 89 yards.

The Saints dropped to 0-2 for the third straight season.

The Pats are now 1-1 and will return home next week to face J.J. Watt and the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium.

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