Rookie RB Stevan Ridley stepped up big in his 1st NFL game action. The 3rd-round pick ran for 64 yards on 16 carries and punched in 2 1-yard TDs. He also scored on a 16-yard pass from QB Ryan Mallett, 1 of Ridley’s 7 catches for the night.
With QB Tom Brady sitting out Thursday’s game, the Patriots got strong debuts from his backups. Brian Hoyer opened by going 15-of-21 for 171 yards and a TD.
Ryan Mallett followed with 12-of-19 passing for 164 yards and another TD. It did come against the Jaguars’ pass D, but New England looks solid in the backup QB area.
If Mallett, in particular, continues to play this way in exhibition season, he could provide a new name for disgruntled Dolphins fans to chant. Of course, these numbers also help to show that New England’s receiving options aren’t too shabby.