Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) hands off the ball to running back Jonas Gray (35) during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers in a preseason NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
FOXBORO, Ma. — Quarter Tom Brady stole the attention by making an unexpected start for the New England Patriots on Friday, but his presence couldn’t lift New England to a win in its exhibition opener.
Brady, playing a day after appearing in federal court to fight the NFL’s four-game suspension for his role in the deflation of footballs in the AFC Championship Game, completed only 1 of his 4 passes, for 10 yards before giving way. Backup Jimmy Garoppolo replaced him and completed 20 of 30 passes for 159 yards, with one interception.
Packers starting quarterback Aaron Roders threw for 117 yards and completed 11 passes before taking the rest of the night off.
Ravens 30, Saints 27
BALTIMORE — Quarterback Bryn Renner ran the ball in himself from the 1-yard line with 2 seconds remaining, and Baltimore rallied to beat New Orleans in the preseason opener for both teams.
Running back Marcus Murphy’s 3-yard touchdown run with 1:56 remaining put the Saints ahead 27-23, after kicker Justin Tucker’s 51-yard field goal broke a tie and put the Ravens ahead 23-20 with 8:09 left.
Quarterback Matt Schaub threw for 134 yards on 11-for-18 passing for Baltimore.
Lions 23, Jets 3
DETROIT — Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Golden Tate on one of only two passes he threw, and running back Ameer Abdullah ran for 45 of his 67 yards on one play to lead Detroit past New York. The Jets, playing without injured quarterback Geno Smith (broken jaw), totaled only 123 yards of offense.
