Game Rewind: After getting off to a slow start on both sides of the ball, the Patriots turned things around in the second quarter and beat the Bears in a tight pre-season game. 

1. No Brady: Tom Brady was supposed to play tonight but oddly enough, he cut his hand using a pair of scissors and was ruled out prior to kick off. I don’t know if I buy it. I feel like Bill Belichick made the last minute decision to keep him out and start Garoppolo. I’m probably wrong but whatever. 

2. Jimmy G Plays Well: Jimmy Garoppolo played much better tonight. A big reason for that was Josh McDaniels play calling. McDaniels called plays that played to Garoppolo’s skill set. Three step passes, play action passes and screen passes were featured in this week’s game plan. Garoppolo finished 16-21 for 181 yards and a touchdown. 

3. LeGarrette Blount Shows Up: Blount struggled last week against the Saints but he played well tonight. Blount rushed for 69 yards on 11 carries and scored a touchdown. He  had a nice 21 yard run down the right sideline in the second quarter that highlighted his footwork and speed. Blount is still the odds on favorite to be the starting running back but he’ll need another good week next week against the Panthers to stay on that track. 

4. A.J Derby Ups the Ante: The former quarterback from Arkansas has had a great camp and a great pre-season. Derby caught 6 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. He had a highlight catch along the Patriots sideline that shows just how athletic he  is. Derby is putting a lot of pressure on Bill Belichick and the coaching staff. He could make the team right now but he’ll need another game like this to lock up a spot. 

5. Welcome to New England Chris Hogan: Chris Hogan made his Patriots debut tonight and he didn’t disappoint. He caught 4 passes for 53 yards, including a two point conversation. Hogan is a terrific route runner and he gives the Patriots something they lack. Size. Hogan will be be a difference maker this season and we got a glimpse of it tonight.