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Patriots vs. Packers: New England leads 11-9 at Halftime

Halftime notes as the Patriots lead the Packers 11-9 in the preseason opener at Gillette Stadium.

By Greg Knopping
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Notes from the 1st half of the Patriots vs. Packers preseason opener:

1st Quarter

The Packers started the game off by marching the ball down the field. However, thanks to some excellent play in coverage by Malcolm Butler,

After a Patriots three and out that was highlighted by two Brady overthrows, the Patriots defense forced a second straight turnover on downs after a nice play off the edge in run defense by Jabaal Sheard.

Rookie DE Trey Flowers got off to an explosive start at right end for the Patriots - getting some nice push and registering a sack - before going down with an injury. We will have more on his status soon. He left the field under his own power.

After the Packers finally converted a fourth down on their fourth drive, they finally settled for the field goal and the 3-0 first quarter lead.

2nd Quarter

The Patriots got on the board on the opening drive of the second quarter on a 55-yard run in which he went untouched. Gray was boosted by strong blocks from Tre Jackson and Cameron Fleming on the inside, with Shaq Mason and Hoomanawanui assisting on the outside. Gray also converted a two-point conversion to give the Patriots an 8-3 lead:

After trading a couple of defensive stops, Packers quarterback Scott Tolzien completed a 26-yard 4th and 1 pass to Jeff Janis for the touchdown and the 9-8 lead. Logan Ryan was in coverage on the play.

Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski hit a 56 yard field goal to close the half and give the Patriots an 11-9 lead.

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