THURSDAY’S PRESEASON NFL GAMES

GAME RECAPS

Eagles 17, Buccaneers 9

PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia needed 97 seconds to score its only touchdowns in beating sloppy Tampa Bay in the preseason opener for both teams. The Eagles covered a mere 27 yards on their two drives to the end zone, with each series lasting three plays after Buccaneers fumbles. Ryan Mathews had a 5-yard TD run to make it 7-0 after Tampa Bay fumbled the opening kickoff. Chase Daniel scooted 3 yards for the second score after Jameis Winston had the ball stripped.

Falcons 23, Redskins 17

ATLANTA

Making a successful return to his first NFL home, Matt Schaub passed for 179 yards, leading three scoring drives, and the Atlanta Falcons beat the Washington Redskins. Schaub began his career with the Falcons as Michael Vick’s backup from 2004-06. He played seven seasons as Houston’s starter and the past two years with Baltimore and Oakland. Schaub, 35, played most of the first half and solidified his status as Matt Ryan’s top backup. After Ryan was 0 for 4 and could not manage a first down on two possessions.

Ravens 22, Panthers 19

BALTIMORE

Cam Newton directed a 68-yard drive in his only series, then stepped aside as the Carolina Panthers lost to the Baltimore Ravens in a preseason opener. Newton, the reigning NFL MVP, went 5 for 6 for 36 yards before being replaced by 33-year-old Derek Anderson. Graham Gano kicked four field goals for the Panthers, who went 15-1 last year and won the NFC championship before falling to Denver in the Super Bowl.

Patriots 34, Saints 22

FOXBOROUGH, MASS.

Jimmy Garoppolo made his preseason debut, spreading the ball around for 168 yards, and Jamie Collins added a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown as the New England Patriots beat the New Orleans Saints. Garoppolo played the entire first half as he preps to start the first four games of the regular season in place of Tom Brady, who will be serving a suspension for his involvement in the “Deflategate” case.

Jets 17, Jaguars 13

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.

Blake Bortles led the Jacksonville Jaguars on two scoring drives, the second capped by Chris Ivory’s 1-yard run against his former team, in a loss to the New York Jets in the preseason opener for both teams. Bortles finished 6 of 7 for 105 yards in his two series, Allen Robinson caught three passes for 80 yards and the Jaguars (0-1) took a quick 10-0 lead with their starters in the game. Ivory, who signed with Jacksonville as a free agent after three seasons in New York, capped the second drive with his TD.

Broncos 22, Bears 0

CHICAGO

Mark Sanchez made a strong opening argument for the Denver Broncos’ starting quarterback job, throwing for 99 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter, and the defending Super Bowl champions beat the Chicago Bears in the preseason opener. Sanchez came through with just the sort of performance he needed if he’s going to beat out Trevor Siemian. He completed 10 of 13 passes in the first quarter and led a game-opening 76-yard touchdown drive.

Associated Press