As the New England Patriots head into halftime of their Week 2 road game against the New Orleans Saints with a 30-13 lead, here are some first half thoughts. 

Coming Out Hot- The Patriots came out of the gate hot, offensively, with a dominant first quarter of play. New England scored on all three of their first quarter drives, thanks to a tremendous start by quarterback Tom Brady. Over the first 15 minutes, Brady completed 11 of 15 passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns. Brady hit five different receivers over that time, including three completions to tight end Rob Gronkowski for 76 yards and a score. The team was also a perfect five for five on third downs, through the first quarter. It was the exact start the offense, which looked stuck in the mud at points last week, was looking for.

TB12 is Still Very Good- Just like his teammates and coaches, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady took some heat for the team's poor performance in their season opener last week. While Brady's numbers weren't great in that game, most people believed that was less of his fault and more on teammates. Anyone who tried to argue differently, was but on notice by the man himself, in the first half Sunday. Brady straight up dominated the Saints' inexperienced defense, over the first two quarters, completing 19 of 25 passes for 302 yards. He also threw for three touchdowns, which all came in the first quarter. It was the first time in the 40-year-old's career that he has done that. So, anyone questioning Brady after last week might turn into the next Trent Dilfer if they're not careful.

Gronk Is Back- After an extremely quiet and underwhelming showing in last Thursday's season opener, Gronk was back and better than ever in the first half Sunday. Over the first two quarters of play, Gronkowski caught five balls for 95 yards and 1 score, which was his 69th career receiving touchdown. With Gronk getting back to his old ways, the Pats offense is seems to be clicking.

Scoring & Scoring & Scoring Some More- The Pats offense was nearly unstoppable in the first half, as they scored at the start, scored again and then scored some more throughout the first two quarters. The Pats ran six first half series and scored on all but one. Of those five scoring drives, four of them ended in touchdowns. In fact, the only one that didn't was more a product of time expiring on the clock than not being able to get the ball into the endzone.

 

 

 

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