Brady played four series and 24 snaps, nine more than he lasted last season. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 100 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He looked much closer to the QB who threw 50 touchdown passes in 2007 than a petrified passer focused more on his knee than reading defenses.
“It’s a real small step for this whole team in a ve ry long journey,’’ said Brady. “We’re on a mission this year and this is the first step. It’s a small step, but it’s a step in the right direction.’’
When Brady left the game with 46 seconds remaining in the first half, replaced by Andrew Walter, the Patriots held a 21-6 lead. The Eagles rallied behind backup quarterback/Patriots killer A.J. Feeley to pull within 24-22 at the end of the third quarter.
The teams traded field goals in the fourth quarter and then Eagles kicker David Akers, who hit four field goals, missed a potential game-winning 43-yard attempt with 57 seconds left.
But the outcome was irrelevant for the Patriots, the real victory was simply seeing their franchise quarterback back under center.
“I didn’t see him. I don’t have eyes in the back of my head, but it sure felt like it back there,’’ said guard Logan Mankins, when asked if it was the same old Brady. “He was cool and calm as usual and he was hitting receivers, so it must have been the same old Tom.’’
It was a night for quarterbacks - or at least those with their roots in that position. Brady was back on the field. Disgraced former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was back in the NFL, signing with the Eagles, the news breaking during the game. Rookie wide receiver Julian Edelman, a quarterback in college, caught the first pass Brady threw, and scored on a 75-yard punt return in his first game.
About 55 minutes prior to kickoff, Brady came onto the field in full uniform. He did some light running and then started warming up with backup Kevin O’Connell.
It didn’t take Brady long to warm up the Patriots’ offense, with some help from an old friend, former Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel.
