How former Patriots performed around the NFL this week
Dion Lewis had a bright start in Tennessee, while Malcolm Butler was up and down.
The Patriots got off to a winning start in the 2018 season on Sunday. Meanwhile, former Patriots across the league got their own seasons underway.
Here’s a look at how various ex-Patriots played.
Dion Lewis, Tennessee Titans
The coaching debut of another former Patriot, Mike Vrabel, also saw 2017 New England running back Dion Lewis begin anew with the Titans. In a bizarre game which set a record for length due to multiple lightning delays, the Dolphins came away with a 27-20 win.
Lewis totaled 110 yards rushing and receiving, also notching a touchdown. He highlighted the day with an impressive run, displaying both agility and strength.
Put the team on your back, @DionLewisRB! #TitanUp pic.twitter.com/woOrPctTjx
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) September 9, 2018
Malcolm Butler, Tennessee Titans
Another player to leave the Patriots for the Titans was cornerback Malcolm Butler. Benched by Bill Belichick during the Super Bowl, Butler started for Vrabel. In the third quarter, he made a big play with a goal line interception.
When will teams learn… Don’t throw at @Mac_BZ on the goal line. #TitanUp pic.twitter.com/pJIRnRUfaK
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) September 9, 2018
Yet in the fourth quarter, Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills got the better of Butler, and burned him for a 75-yard touchdown.
Speed thrills. Speed Stills.
📺 » @NFLonFOX#TENvsMIA #FinsUp https://t.co/HUPKSOwJZq
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 9, 2018
Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers
Tom Brady’s former backup began his first full season as a starting quarterback in difficult circumstances. Without his starting running back and (quickly) minus the services of a top receiver, Garoppolo was tasked with winning on the road against the Minnesota Vikings.
Equipped with what experts presume will be one of the league’s best defenses, the Vikings forced Garoppolo into a series of mistakes. He finished 15 of 33 for 261 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions, suffering the first loss of his career (24-16).
This stage isn’t too big for @_bigmikee1! pic.twitter.com/ElyUkMq9FI
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 9, 2018
Garoppolo’s lone highlight of the day came on a nice scramble and throw to find Dante Pettis for a touchdown.
The first touchdown of 2018!
49ers scoring drive: 75 yards, 7 plays resulting in the @dmainy_13 touchdown.#GoNiners pic.twitter.com/R866rorzhd
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 9, 2018
Other notables
Danny Amendola
: Caught four passes for 26 yards on six targets in the Dolphins’ win over the Titans.
Corey Bojorquez: Cut by the Patriots at the end of preseason, Bojorquez got the start with the Bills. He received ample opportunity as Buffalo’s offense struggled, making eight punts (averaging 49.6 yards per punt). However, amid the rainy conditions, Bojorquez fumbled the snap on one attempted punt on the first possession of the second half, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Chandler Jones: One of the few bright spots for the Cardinals in Arizona’s 24-6 loss to Washington, Jones got on the stat sheet by recording a sack.
Chris Long: Recorded 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hits in the Eagles’ 18-12 win over the Falcons.
Nate Solder: Played every offensive snap for the Giants in a 20-15 loss to the Jaguars.
