Thursday was a big day in New England. Not only did it mark the kickoff of the 2018 game schedule with the preseason opener against the Redskins at Gillette Stadium, but it also brought updates on the health and contract status of Tom Brady.
The Boston Globe reports that Brady, who sat out against Washington, is dealing with a “sore back” and relays word that he reached an agreement on a reworked contract with the Patriots. The Globe recaps how the Patriots scored 26 unanswered points to beat Washington after an ugly start to the game.
The Globe offers up 26 thoughts on New England’s 26-17 comeback win over the Redskins. Undrafted rookie running back Ralph Webb had a big second half in the victory, a dream come true for the youngster according to the Globe. The Globe writes that Julian Edelman was fired up to return to the field for the first time since tearing his ACL in preseason action last August. The Globe recaps what Bill Belichick had to say after the win.
The Boston Herald writes that Brady’s “new incentive-laden deal doesn’t add up.” The Herald notes that backup QB Brian Hoyer sputtered in his preseason debut as New England got little production out of the passing game. The Herald observes that with a productive night in the preseason opener, Jeremy Hill is making a case to take over the “big” running back role in New England. The Herald notes that cornerback Ryan Lewis’ premature celebration cost teammate Geneo Grissom a scoop-and-score touchdown. The Herald has Edelman taking a “fun step” in his return from injury.
The Providence Journal says a lighter Hill shined in his preseason debut with the Patriots. The Pro Jo declares that Edelman is “ecstatic” to be playing football again. The Pro Jo has its game recap of the preseason opener. The Pro Jo says a lack of size is not stopping young slot receivers Riley McCarron and Braxton Berrios from competing for a job.
ESPNBoston.com says Hill was one of the Patriots biggest winners in his New England debut. ESPNBoston.com has its story on $5 million in incentives being added to Brady’s contract. ESPNBoston.com passes along former New England tight end Martellus Bennett comparing Brady to Aaron Rodgers.
WEEI.com wonders if now that Brady's contract has been tweaked, will a new deal for Rob Gronkowski come next? WEEI.com offers up 10 quick takeaways from New England’s preseason win. WEEI.com notes that Brady reportedly missed the game to a sore back. WEEI.com profiles the new Patriots preseason star Webb.
NBC Sports Boston writes that Lewis was embarrassed by his early celebration to cost his teammate a touchdown. NBC Sports Boston offers up its best and worsts from the 26-17 Patriots win. NBC Sports Boston says that even with the extra $5 million Brady is still a bargain. NBC Sports Boston has its general takeaways from the game.
NESN.com looks at the strong debut from rookie linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley.
MassLive.com has word that second-year linebacker Harvey Langi will be out more than a month with an “internal laceration.”
