NFL ROUNDUP \ Friday’s games

Patriots 24, Panthers 7

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cross-country flights, lack of sleep and becoming a celebrity father didn’t affect Tom Brady’s efficiency. Two days after Brady missed practice to fly to Los Angeles where his ex-girlfriend, actress Bridget Moynahan, gave birth to their son, Brady returned to the Patriots and was nearly flawless. Brady, given plenty of time to throw, completed 17 of 21 passes for 167 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, leading the Patriots (1-2) on three scoring drives in their best offensive showing of the preseason. Brady threw touchdown passes of 6 yards to Marcellus Rivers and 8 yards to Heath Evans as New England built a 17-7 lead. Panthers linebacker Dan Morgan’s successful return from multiple concussions overshadowed another dismal performance by Carolina’s offense and a shaky secondary. Jake Delhomme was 11-of-18 for 162 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers (1-2).

Titans 28, Bills 17

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Playing only the first half, Tennessee quarterback Vince Young went 13-of-19 for 162 yards passing and a touchdown, and also scored a TD rushing. The Bills’ offense also finally started showing signs of its big-play potential. J.P. Losman shook off an early interception and connected with wide receiver Lee Evans for a 64-yard touchdown pass late in the second quarter. Losman, who also hit wide receiver Peerless Price for a 51-yard reception that set up a field goal, finished 9-of-20 for 180 yards passing, nearly doubling the 98 yards he had in his first two preseason games combined.

Associated Press