New England Patriots

Four Takeaways for New England from Opening Sunday

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Jimmy Garoppolo (10) New England Patriots – Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots defeated the Arizona Cardinals 23-21 in their first game of the 2016 NFL season. Here are four takeaways from Sunday night’s victory.

4. Jimmy Garoppolo will have tremendous value this offseason

In a quarterback hungry NFL, the New England Patriots may have some bargaining power with Jimmy Garoppolo. If Sunday’s win is any indication, Garoppolo will have a 4-0 record to his name. The Cardinals are the strongest opponent on his schedule and the only game that away at from home.

Jimmy G ran the offense well. He also kept his cool after losing the lead in the fourth quarter and was able to orchestrate a drive and get the Patriots in field position.

Garoppolo was able to find Julian Edelman all night. Garoppolo also was able to navigate passes into tight windows that should be wider the next few matchups.

He was mobile and was able to extend plays in the pocket as well as rush for a few key first downs.

LeGarrette Blount (29) New England Patriots – Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3. LeGarrette Blount hasn’t gotten any better

Despite 70 yards on the ground and an impressive run that ended up with him plowing into the end zone with the whole Arizona defense on him, Blount still lacks acceleration and power in the zone running game. He has trouble accelerating and takes him a few yards to get going full speed. The Patriot offense welcomed James Develin back after missing all last season by using a lot of full back sets to help make more space for Blount during early downs.

On the other hand, James White showed a lot of ability to gain yards on the ground and by making tough catches. With New England missing Dion Lewis, James White did a great job filling that role.

2. The AFC East doesn’t show any signs of being able to keep up with New England

New England was already leading the AFC East before kickoff by way of the Jets, Bills, and Dolphins all falling short on opening weekend.

The Buffalo Bills lost to the Baltimore Ravens.

The New York Jets lost to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Miami Dolphins lost to the Seattle Seahawks.

All of the AFC East teams outside of New England looked pretty rough and lost close games. New England won a close game. This really symbolizes the AFC East the past ten years.

None of the AFC East showed any signs of making strides to being able to compete with the Patriots.

Patrick Chung (23) New England Patriots – Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

1. New England is going to be just fine

With New England not having the best quarterback and tight end in the league, the Patriots were able to beat a very good Arizona team away from Gillette Stadium.

Tom Brady will obviously make New England better. Rob Gronkowski’s return will help the other members of the offense. The Pats want to run more two tight end sets than they did against Arizona. Martellus Bennett and A.J. Derby lined up together a few times but when Gronkowski returns, expect to see much more of two tight ends on the field together. New England put together a makeshift offensive line that youth and a lot of room for improvement. New England’s defensive line looked improved despite trading away Chandler Jones this offseason.

Altogether New England’s defense was extremely impressive against a high scoring offense.

Lastly, thank goodness for Stephen Gostkowski.