Around the League editor Gregg Rosenthal has his takeaways from the game:
From Around the League:
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Lessons from Thursday's preseason games
» Tom Brady's protection was rough overall. Saints defensive end Will Smith gave second-year Patriots left tackle Nate Solder all he can handle. The Patriots have talked up Solder all offseason.
» Drew Brees went 1-of-4 passing for 4 yards. Keep that in mind the next time you rip a guy like Kevin Kolb for a miserable preseason outing. It happens in these shortened games.
» Patriots rookie pass rusher Chandler Jones made SaintsPro Bowl pick Jermon Bushrod look like a D-II prospect. Jones's big game didn't show up in the box score, but he forced two holdings, and pressures, and probably got all of New England very excited.
» NFL.com and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Patriots linebacker Dane Fletchertore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. It's a brutal break for a guy who was set to have a big role.
