TAMPA, Fla. — Tom Brady showed midseason form in his preseason debut.
After sitting out New England’s preseason opener, the reigning NFL MVP tossed two touchdowns and completed 11-of-19 passes in the Patriots’ 31-17 victory over the Buccaneers on Thursday night.
Brady threw for 118 yards in one half of work, and connected on scoring strikes from 16 yards to Aaron Hernandez and 8 yards to Chad Ochocinco.
“After sitting last week, I think a lot of the guys were antsy to be out there,” Brady said. “I’m glad we put some points on the board, but obviously a lot of things we can do better too.”
BenJarvus Green-Ellis also got in on the act, rushing 11 times for 51 yards and two touchdowns.
Buccaneers third-year quarterback Josh Freeman misfired on his first three passes to set a bad tone the Buccaneers never got over.
Steelers 24, Eagles 14
PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberger completed 8-of-12 passes for 125 yards and directed Pittsburgh to touchdowns on both drives he played, hitting Antonio Brown for a 29-yard score in the first quarter and veteran Hines Ward on a 20-yard strike in the second.
Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick went 5-of-12 for 47 yards and was sacked once. Vick finished with more tackles — one — than touchdowns. He drilled Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu late in the first half after throwing his third interception of the night.
The Associated Press
