Eight Takeaways From the Patriots 14-13 Loss to the Eagles

The New England Patriots preseason win streak ended on Thursday night. They lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 14-13 at Gillette Stadium to drop to 1-1 in the exhibition season. The Patriots’ defense and special teams both had solid nights. The offense had ups and downs.

Ten takeaways from Thursday night’s game:

More Maye, and He Impressed

Drake Maye was the top-ranked player on my 2024 NFL Draft board. The Patriots used the No. 3 pick of the draft to select him. So it was disappointing to see Maye receive only seven snaps against Carolina. Maye started the second quarter against Philadelphia and led the team to 10 points on his first two drives. He scored a rushing touchdown on an end run. Maye started the second half as well. The Patriots failed to put up more points when he was in, but he played smart. He threw the ball away when needed. And he made a beautiful play, stepping away from pressure and unleashing a perfect throw downfield, which unfortunately fell incomplete. There was a lot to feel good about Maye’s performance.

Jacoby Brissett Struggled

Brissett played only one drive against Carolina. He played the first quarter against Philadelphia. He had a costly underthow and a costly overthrow, which both brought out the punting unit. Worst of all, he threw an interception into the end zone that nobody but the defender had a chance to catch. Brissett’s biggest attribute is his ability to avoid mistakes. The interception was too reminiscent of the QB play New England received the past two seasons. While I don’t believe there is a QB controversy, I do believe it will become a subject on Boston Sports Radio. This is why Jerod Mayo should have named Brissett the starter before training camp if that is the plan regardless of preseason performance.

AVONTEEEEEE!!!!! pic.twitter.com/fk1ZjRiQzh

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 15, 2024

Also Read – Ten Patriots Players to Watch Closely Against the Eagles

Offensive Line Performs Okay

The starting offensive line remained the same as it has been in practice for the past 10 days or so: Vederian Lowe (LT), Sidy Sow (LG), David Andrews (C), Mike Onwenu (RG), and Chukwuma Okorafor (RT). The first unit played well for the most part. Lowe played the most and has been under the most scrutiny. It is difficult to say a left tackle flagged for a false start and responsible for a costly sack (Maye got hammered from behind) played well, but maybe that’s where the bar is at the moment. He definitely played decently. That said, New England still needs to figure out if they can improve their situation at offensive tackle, even if that means bumping Mike Onwenu back outside once again.

First Serious Injury of the Preseason

The Patriots appeared to suffer their first serious injury of the preseason when wide receiver JaQuae Jackson had to be carted off the field in the second half. Jackson received New England’s highest grade last week from Pro Football Focus. No immediate information on the injury was given but it appeared serious. Patriots Football Now will post an update when it becomes available.

Pass Rush a Positive

A day after trading away sack-specialist Matthew Judon, the Patriots defenders remaining helped pick up the slack for his departure. The pass-rush won battles with speed, power, and scheme. It was an encouraging performance, even if many of Philadelphia’s starters sat out. Keion White, Deatrich Wise Jr., Joshua Uche, and Oshane Ximines were among those applying pressure to Philadelphia’s quarterbacks.

Bryce Baringer is a Stud

New England has no players on their roster who have made the Pro Bowl as a member of the Patriots. Punter Bryce Baringer could definitely change that. His first punt of the night traveled 64 yards and pinned the Eagles inside their 5-yard line. There are a lot of areas of the Patriots roster to be concerned about this season but Baringer is not one of them.

64-yard punt. Inside the five.

Take a bow, Bryce Baringer 🔥

📺: #PHIvsNE on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/1rNZPc9SaA

— NFL (@NFL) August 15, 2024

Springer’s Special Teams Unit is Solid

Jeremy Springer took over as the New England Patriots special teams coordinator this season. The unit looked excellent on Thursday night. Baringer was solid all night. Joey Slye converted both his field goal attempts, including a 51-yard attempt. Jalen Reagor picked up solid yardage on a punt returner to set up a scoring opportunity. Both Reagor and David Wallis returned kickoffs for significant yardage. It is early, it is preseason, but it is encouraging.

Kayshon Boutte Showcases Hands

Tyquan Thornton received the start for the New England Patriots. Javon Baker had several opportunities. But once again, Kayshon Boutte was the Patriots wide receiver who impressed the most. Boutte’s ability to snatch the ball using his hands is impressive. He makes it look easy. Boutte appears to have worked his way from a potential cut to a solid spot on the 53-man roster. He should get more opportunities with the top units moving forward, as no receiver outside of DeMario Douglas has been able to produce consistently.

Three Stars of the Game

Despite the loss, the three stars of the game still go to the Patriots.

First Star – Drake Maye
Second Star – Raekwon McMillan
Third Star – Jalen Reagor