If the Patriots’ 31-0 lead was enough to pull Tom Brady from the game, it wasn’t enough to stop them from going for it on a 4th-and-1. BenJarvus Green-Ellis picked up the necessary yard.
It also wasn’t enough to keep the training wheels on Brian Hoyer, who was allowed to air one out to Brandon Tate. Tate beat his defender, and Hoyer delivered the ball perfectly, 42 yards into the end zone for the former Spartan’s first career touchdown pass.
The drive also marked a first for third-round pick Taylor Price, who picked up 17 yards on a slant route—the first reception of his young career.
Meanwhile, BenJarvus Green-Ellis continues to pick up yards in his push for 1,000. He’s a good 25-or-so short now, but there’s a whole quarter-and-change to go.