The New England Patriots leaned on their defense to help back-up quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo against the New England Saints. If the defense plays like this in the regular season, the team is going to be fine.
After linebacker Jamie Collins returned an interception for a touchdown, the Patriots received a second defensive score from edge defender Trey Flowers.
Flowers had a monster game with multiple pressures and tackles and this was his best. He uses his hands to fend off the lineman and slipped into the backfield to make the sack. He used his awareness to track down the ball and his agility to make it into the end zone.
New England needs a player to replace Rob Ninkovich and his injured triceps for the early part of the season. Flowers made a big statement to take that job- and if he keeps this up, he won’t be giving it back.