then connected with a newcomer who could help him reach more

On a night when he reached 500 career touchdown passes Authentic Braden Smith Jersey , Tom Brady welcomed back a buddy with one of his three scoring tosses Thursday,milestones.Brady also sneaked in for a rushing touchdown and the New England Patriots put together their second straight win after a mediocre start to the season, beating Indianapolis 38-24.Brady's 500th went to Josh Gordon, recently acquired from Cleveland, where he basically was unavailable through NFL suspensions for all but five games over the past three seasons. But, as he often does, Brady spread the wealth, hitting running back James White 10 times for 77 yards, and greeting the return of buddy Julian Edelman by completing seven for 57 yards to him."We wanted to get him the ball and he made some great plays," Brady said about Edelman. "Just good to have him out there. We all want it to be perfect when we go out and it was great to have him out there ... healthy and having fun."As for 500 TD passes, third on the career list behind Peyton Manning (539) and Brett Favre (508), Brady called it a collective mark."I think all these things like that, milestones, there are so many people that contribute, all the people that have really worked hard," he said. "A quarterback doesn't throw to himself."These are all great team awards, pretty cool."The five-time NFL champion also tied Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, a former teammate, for most victories with 226. Brady finished 34 for 44 for 341 yards.As everyone in Gillette Stadium except, apparently, the Colts knew, Brady started off with a pass to Edelman, who was wide open for 9 yards. That drew the first of many loud cheers for the 10th-year veteran receiver in his first game since the 2017 preseason, when he tore up a knee. Edelman was suspended for the first four games this year for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancers."During the rehab you are just sitting there and waiting to get back on the field," Edelman said. "It felt great to be out there with the guys."That was the first of three receptions for 28 yards for Edelman on the opening 75-yard touchdown drive Brady capped with a 1-yard toss to Cordarrelle Patterson .From there, even though the Colts (1-4) had a drive deep into New England (3-2) territory, usually reliable Adam Vinatieri missed a 38-yard field goal.Nothing was going right for Indianapolis, particularly after Brady led a 72-yard march to his sneak from the 1. Then he took the Patriots 68 yards near the end of the half and hit workhorse White for a 6-yard score to lead 21-3.Under pressure, Andrew Luck threw a poor pass that Patrick Chung intercepted at midfield, and Stephen Gostkowski made a 45-yard field goal for a 24-3 halftime lead.Luck did extend his string of games with a touchdown pass by hitting Eric Ebron on a 14-yarder in the third quarter. Showing a strong arm all night — remember, Luck missed all of 2017 with shoulder issues — he has a TD throw in 28 successive games, tops of any current quarterback."We're not going to win consistently until we learn how to get out of our own way," Luck said. "That's not taking anything away from New England. They were the better team today. Anybody who watched it or played in it knows it. It was self-evident."But we're going to have to learn how not to lose if we want to give ourselves a chance to win."After Matthias Farley's interception of a pass bobbled by Chris Hogan, Indy could do nothing. Rookie Jordan Wilkins had the ball stripped from his hands by Devin McCourty four players later.But a second pick of Brady that was not his fault — Rob Gronkowski had the ball stolen and Najee Goode wound up with it — helped the Colts get back into it for a short time.Looking like vintage Luck, he brought his team 80 yards, including a pair of big third-down throws to Ebron http://www.indianapoliscoltsteamonline.com/matthias-farley-jersey , and Eric Swoope caught a 13-yard scoring pass to make it 24-17.That's when everyone saw vintage Brady as he hit the half-century mark for TD throws by connecting with newcomer Gordon for 34 yards, the 71st player to catch a touchdown pass from Brady, an NFL mark."A great play Josh made jumping over two defenders," Brady said. "It tells you kind of the confidence I have in him in a short period of time. Obviously he has earned it."KICKING ITVinatieri, whose leg helped New England win three Super Bowls, hit the left upright with his 673rd career field goal attempt, the second most in NFL history. He already holds the mark for most field goals made and is closing in on Hall of Famer Morten Andersen's points record, but was victimized by a high snap on the first-quarter miss.Showing his true skills, Vinatieri later nailed a 54-yarder with plenty to spare.PRODUCTIVE BACKFIELDIn addition to White's receptions, rookie Sony Michel had 98 yards rushing on 18 carries, including the final New England score, a 34-yard burst down the sideline in the final period.UNDERMANNEDThe Colts were severely depleted, missing five starters, including their best receiver. T.Y. Hilton was out with chest and hamstring injuries. Tight end Jack Doyle (hip), running back Marlon Mack (hamstring), tackle Denzelle Good (personal matter) and cornerback Kenny Moore II (concussion) also were sidelined. They lost five more players during the game.DEFLATED FEELINGNot much was made of the "Deflategate" saga, even though this was Indy's first trip to Gillette Stadium since getting routed in the 2014 AFC title game. That loss led to an NFL investigation of alleged underinflated footballs, and eventually to a four-game suspension for Brady, which he sat out in 2016.UP NEXTColts: at New York Jets on Oct. 14.Patriots: host Kansas City on Oct. 14.Indianapolis Colts 53-Man Roster Projection following week 3 of the preseason Cutdowns are coming fast as the regular season bears down on us. The Colts will have a lot of decisions to make regarding who stays and who goes, and there will undoubtedly be a flurry of waiver claims made to bring in fresh faces and new talent that will keep the roster fluid for a long while. However, it makes sense to take one last look at the roster and make some final predictions about how this thing all shakes out as we head into week four of the preseason, which will be the last chance for some players to make an impression and earn their spot on the team. Offense - 24Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty ImagesQuarterback – 2The Colts have the best quarterback situation in the NFL. Andrew Luck at his best is a top 5 quarterback, and Jacoby Brissett is a league average or just slightly less than average starter. Both quarterbacks have looked sharp in the preseason. Andrew LuckJacoby BrissettMissed the cut: Phillip Walker, Brad KaayaRunning Back – 4Before getting hurt in week one of the preseason, Marlon Mack looked greatly improved. His explosiveness, ability to make plays in space, and speed to the outside have always been strengths, but he seemed like a guy willing to follow his blockers and go up the middle when called on to do it. Frank Reich’s scheme seems like a perfect fit for what Mack does well. I also think Jordan Wilkins will have fully supplanted Robert Turbin by the time Turbin is off of his suspension. Assuming he stays healthy, I think we see a lot of these two. Hines will get use out of the backfield as a receiver and when he provides a favorable matchup, but he has a lot of growing to do. Marlon MackJordan WilkinsNyheim Hines*Robert Turbin *Won’t count against the 53-man roster until his 4-week suspension is completed.Missed the cut: Branden Oliver, Christine MichaelTight End – 5This is an encouraging group. With a receiving corps that seems a bit underpowered, they’ll need to rely on these guys for big production, and I think they can get it. Keeping 5 tight ends is unconventional, but given Reich’s proclivity for using tight ends and the lack of overwhelming talent at wide receiver, it might make sense to keep one more of your talented group on the roster.I expect Eric Ebron will be a hit for this team now that he has shed that pressure on him from Detroit. He has the potential to be a big-time playmaker and showed chemistry with Luck early on in training camp. Swoope, Travis http://www.indianapoliscoltsteamonline.com/clayton-geathers-jersey , and Daniels all rate about the same but could all contribute to the offense in Reich’s system. As far as Jack Doyle, what more can you say? Doyle rules.Jack DoyleEric EbronRoss Travis Erik SwoopeDarrell DanielsMissed the cut: Mo Alie-CoxWide Receiver – 5This one could provide our first shocker. I’m just not sure that Reece Fountain makes this roster. Apart from the fact that they spent a 5th round pick on him, what does he have going for him? Ballard doesn’t seem like a guy who gets too hung up on sunk cost (See Zach Banner), and while I hoped Fountain could develop, missing on a 5th rounder is only compounded by clinging to that mistake. He is likely a guy who makes it through waivers and can spend time improving on the Colts’ practice squad.The starters are pretty straight forward. Hilton is the obvious top guy, Chester Rogers appears likely Luck’s second favorite target of the receivers. I am out on Ryan Grant almost entirely, but it seems like the Colts like him. I’m not sure Ishmael and Pascal have a huge role on the offense, but could be valuable special teamers. Note: I did not account for Robert Turbin’s suspension when writing this. That suspension likely keeps Reece Fountain around for at least four weeks, putting the receiver group at 6.T.Y. HiltonChester RogersRyan GrantSteve IshmaelZach PascalMissed the cut: K.J. Brent, Kasen Williams, James Wright, Dres Anderson, Krishawn Hogan, Seantavius Jones, Reece Fountain, Cobi HamiltonOffensive Line – 8The offensive line hasn’t looked very impressive so far in the preseason. Injuries have kept it a revolving door, and the absence of Castonzo has been notable. In our Stampede Blue chat client, we were discussing recently that the line’s run blocking suffered from a defensive approach in the preseason that simply isn’t sustainable in the regular season. Selling out to stop the run with Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton, and Eric Ebron on the team is a good way to see the Colts put up big points on you quickly. This line needs to get healthy and figure out the right tackle position, but when Castonzo is back, this is the best line Andrew Luck has been behind by far. Anthony CastonzoQuenton NelsonRyan KellyMatt SlausonBraden SmithJoe HaegDenzelle GoodLe’Raven ClarkMissed the cut: Austin Howard, Nick Callender, Tyreek Burwell, J’Marcus Webb, Mark Glowinski, Jeremy VujnovichDefense - 26Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY SportsDefensive Tackle – 5There isn’t anything too groundbreaking about this group, and nothing that will really surprise anyone come cuts. Denico Autry has been a very pleasant surprise as far as the free agent class goes, and he and Al Woods seem like the obvious starters. Hassan Ridgeway has played himself into what I would consider as a lock for a roster spot by absolutely maximizing his preseason snaps. Grover Stewart has shown some promise and offers good depth with the opportunity to continue to grow, especially given the new system. Tyquan Lewis is a bit of a mystery. His injury, and the news that he is not that close to a return leaves the Colts without really knowing what they’ve got. He could come back healthy and be a huge impact player, or they could place him on IR designated to return and keep someone else. Denico AutryAl WoodsHassan RidgewayGrover StewartTyquan LewisMissed the cut: Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Tomasi Laulile, Brandon BanksDefensive End – 5The defensive ends group is a pretty interesting one. Jabaal Sheard will likely do well in this new scheme and remains the team’s most talented edge rusher. John Simon has more than proved he belongs, but he’ll need to continue to do so once the games count. Ryan Delaire has come in flashing serious potential. He has been a fun player to watch. If he does so again on Thursday, I think he is a lock for the 53-man roster. Kemoko Turay and Tarell Basham will round out the group. Turay is a virtual unknown but a guy that Chris Ballard believes can develop and be a real force on the outside. Basham is probably on his last shot. They may let him stick around for a little bit to see if he can grow Authentic Jordan Wilkins Jersey , but if he can’t show them something, he likely won’t survive this season on the Colts’ roster.Jabaal SheardJohn SimonRyan DelaireKemoko TurayTarell BashamMissed the cut: Chris McCain, Margus Hunt, Anthony JohnsonLinebacker – 6The linebacker position is one of the most intriguing on the team. There is a very real chance that come week one, this unit will be manned by two rookies and a career backup. That is more than a little terrifying, but also, if you’ve watched Darius Leonard and Skai Moore, encouraging. 4 of these 6 linebackers in this group are rookies, which means that the likelihood they’ll make big mistakes is high. It also means that there are a ton of unknowns. However, that cuts both ways, because there is always the possibility that an unknown player blows everyone away and breaks out.Leonard was a relative unknown for many when drafted, but has looked like he has the potential to be one of the most exciting linebackers the Colts have had on the roster in a very long time. This unit might make some mistakes, but they’ll also likely make some incredible plays, like we have already seen from this so far in the preseason.Darius LeonardNajee GoodeSkai MooreAnthony WalkerMatthew AdamsZaire FranklinMissed the cut: Tyrell Adams, Jeremiah GeorgeCornerback – 6So many questions remain at the cornerback position. Quincy Wilson is not a consistent player and has moments where he looks very good and others where he looks poor. Pierre Desir has been reliable but unspectacular as he was last season. Kenny Moore has been a surprise at the nickel position, showing significant growth from last season. Hairston may be the odd man out here, with Moore seeming like the natural fit for the nickel. However, if he plays well as he did last season, he may end up getting in the rotation somewhere. Milton makes a valuable special teamer, and Pipkins makes the roster because the Colts clearly thought enough of him to trade for him, even if it was with an asset they were likely going to cut anyway. Quincy WilsonPierre DesirKenny MooreNate HairstonChris MiltonLenzy PipkinsMissed the cut: D.J. White, Henre Toliver, Robert Jackson, Lashard Durr, Juante BaldwinSafety – 4The safety group is a strong one as far as the top three go. Malik Hooker is a freak, recovering from his ACL tear in great time. Geathers has looked like a game changer since returning to action. Matthias Farley is an admirable and balanced substitute for either of these guys and has proven that he is a more than capable starter when called upon. Ronald Martin might be able to give T.J. Green a run for his money, but I don’t think he has the upside that Green does, and Ballard likely goes with Green for the final roster. I’m not sure he ever really develops, but perhaps with a new coaching staff they can get him going in the right direction. Malik HookerClayton GeathersMatthias FarleyT.J. GreenMissed the cut: Ronald Martin, George Odum, Chris Cooper, Robenson TherezieSpecial Teams - 3Kicker – 1Adam VinatieriMissed the cut: Kicker Michael BadgleyPunter – 1Rigoberto SanchezLong Snapper – 1Luke Rhodes