The New England Patriots opened up their 2009 preseason campaign with a 27-25 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Thursday night.
Of course the big story of the night wasn’t that Tom Brady made his return to the field but rather the fact that the Eagles signed Michael Vick to a 2-year contract. Reported terms are that Vick will receive $1.6 million if he makes the team and the Eagles hold a 2010 option for $5.2 million.
But our focus is the return of Brady to the field.
Brady looked like he hadn’t skipped a beat in his first game action since being injured in the 2008 season opener. He played almost all of the first two quarters and was 10-of-15 for 100 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. His two touchdown passes went to former New York Jets tight end Chris Baker.
With the way Brady was moving around in the pocket, it doesn’t look like his knee will be of any concern going forward. And that can only mean good things for the Patriots as they look for another Super Bowl ring.
Rookie Justin Edelman had himself a game as well. He returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown and also caught 5 passes for 37 yards. He also returned a kickoff for 24 yards.
Sammy Morris led the Patriots with 12 rushes for 45 yards while Randy Moss led the Patriots with 54 receiving yards. Jerrod Mayo and rookie Patrick Chung led the Pats with 5 tackles each.
Former UConn Husky Darius Butler had 2 tackles, an interception and a pass breakup in his Patriots debut.
The Patriots next exhibition game will come next Thursday night at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro when the Cincinnati Bengals come to town. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
