CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -Cross-country flights, lack of sleep and becoming a celebrity father didn’t affect Tom Brady’s efficiency.
Two days after Brady missed practice to fly to Los Angeles where his ex-girlfriend, actress Bridget Moynahan, gave birth to their son, Brady returned to the Patriots and was nearly flawless in New England’s 24-7 exhibition win over the Carolina Panthers on Friday.
Brady, given plenty of time to throw, completed 17 of 21 passes for 167 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, leading the Patriots (1-2) on three scoring drives in their best offensive showing of the preseason.
Brady threw touchdown passes of 6 yards to Marcellus Rivers and 8 yards to Heath Evans as New England built a 17-7 lead. Brady, who had what would have been a third TD pass dropped by Benjamin Watson, gave way to backup Matt Cassel midway through the third quarter.
Panthers linebacker Dan Morgan’s successful return from multiple concussions overshadowed another dismal performance by Carolina’s offense and a shaky secondary. Jake Delhomme was 11-of-18 for 162 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers (1-2).
Morgan, who had not played since sustaining at least the fifth concussion of his career in last year’s regular-season opener, was credited with three tackles, including a hard hit of Sammy Morris late in the first quarter after Brady’s first completion of the night.
Morgan, who left the game after the first quarter, watched the rest of the game from the sideline.
Brady, also spent the final quarter with his arms folded, chatting with teammates. Last year Brady sat out the final preseason game, and he might need the rest next week to catch his breath.
Titans 28, Bills 17
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) – Playing only the first half, Tennessee quarterback Vince Young went 13-of-19 for 162 yards passing and a touchdown, and also scored a TD rushing in a victory over Buffalo.
It was a much-needed performance from Young and a starting offense that had failed to produce a score in eight possessions in a 27-24 win in sloppy and wet conditions at New England last week.
The Bills’ offense also finally started showing signs of its big-play potential. J.P. Losman shook off an early interception and connected with wide receiver Lee Evans for a 64-yard touchdown pass late in the second quarter.
Losman, who also hit wide receiver Peerless Price for a 51-yard reception that set up a field goal, finished 9-of-20 for 180 yards passing, nearly doubling the 98 yards he had in his first two preseason games combined.
The Bills’ young defense, however, struggled, allowing 218 yards in the first half and 293 overall. Buffalo (1-2) also lost starting cornerback Terrence McGee, who had a concussion in the first quarter.
Coach Dick Jauron said McGee will miss Buffalo’s preseason finale at Detroit on Thursday. The Titans (2-1) close their preseason hosting Green Bay next week.
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