Foxboro, Mass. ? Newcomer Rosevelt Colvin set the tone by forcing a fumble on his second play with the New England Patriots and their defense never let up.

The Patriots had seven sacks and forced four turnovers, opening their exhibition season with a 26-6 victory over the New York Giants on a rainy Thursday night.

“He’s been kind of terrorizing our offense all training camp,” New England quarterback Tom Brady said. “He’s a very savvy football player.”

Colvin, a linebacker, was one of four free agents signed after last season to make an impact. Cornerback Tyrone Poole had an interception, safety Rodney Harrison had five tackles in the first quarter and fullback Fred McCrary caught a touchdown pass.

“It was a fun experience. These guys play with a lot of emotion,” Harrison said.

Colvin and Poole produced first-quarter turnovers that led to 10 points, and McCrary’s 6-yard reception in the third quarter gave New England a 20-6 lead.

Nose tackle Dan Klecko, drafted in the fourth round out of Temple, had 21/2 sacks. His father, former New York Jets defensive lineman Joe Klecko, attended the game.

“It’s tough to play QB when you’re under heat and those (Giants) QBs were,” Brady said.

The Giants played their first game since last year’s first round of the playoffs when they blew a 24-point lead in the last 20 minutes and lost to San Francisco 39-38.

The Giants appear to have an improved offense although it didn’t show as first-stringers played only the first quarter.

Kerry Collins went 6-for-10 for 56 yards and an interception, Tiki Barker rushed eight times for 10 yards and tight end Jeremy Shockey had one catch for seven yards.

“Everyone has made a big deal about our offense being good,” Collins said.

“None of that really matters until you put it all together on the field.”