Halftime Observations From Patriots-Eagles Preseason Game

The New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles met Thursday night in the second preseason game for both teams. While the Eagles rested many of their veteran starters, New England played virtually all available players in the first half. Nine Patriots were inactive due to injury/health concerns.

At halftime the Patriots led 10-3. Some of my impressions from the first half of football in Foxboro:

Tyquan Thornton starting

Thornton got the starting nod, alongside DeMario Douglas and K.J. Osborn. It’s hard to say if Thornton would have been starting if a regular season game was played but it seems to bode well for him earning a spot on the 53-man roster.

Starting Safeties both DNP

The only two New England Patriots starters who were healthy but did not play were their starting safeties. Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers took the night off. This gave opportunities to take a longer look at the reserves hoping to make a push for a roster spot. Marte Mapu remains out. Jaylinn Hawkins and Joshuah Bledsoe began the game for the Patriots.

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

Jacoby Brissett Struggles

The Patriots offense continued to struggle with Brissett behind center. He played just one drive in the opener and three this week. On the opening drive, he underthrew Austin Hooper for an incompletion on third down. On the second drive, the Patriots were in a good position to put points on the board. Brissett threw an easy interception into the end zone, intended for Hooper. His tight end had no opportunity to make the catch and the return went to midfield. Brissett’s final drive included an overthrow, out-of-bounds, pass to Ja’Lynn Polk. The wide receiver got jammed on the play, but the pass appeared uncatchable regardless. Tough outing.

Not Great for Gonzalez

Cornerback Christian Gonzalez got beat on the Eagles’ first drive but some QB pressure and an overthrow by Kenny Pickett caused it to fall incomplete. Gonzalez got beat for a first-down completion on the second drive of the game. With A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith both out, it was a disappointing outing.

Jalen Reagor Shines

Last week Jalen Reagor took the first punt of the game and ran sideways/backward. Tonight he was moving forward. He picked up solid yardage on his punt return, putting the Patriots in scoring position (unfortunately eliminated by Brissett’s pick). Reagor returned a kickoff 32 yards following a Philadelphia field goal. He added a nice reception too. Excellent half, which helps solidify his spot on the roster. And if Marcus Jones remains out, he could take the primary punt returner job as well.

Excellent Outing for Drake Maye

Patriots fans left Gillette Stadium disappointed with the lack of playing time (seven snaps) for Drake Maye last Thursday. He got two drives in the second quarter, both of which resulted in points. Maye was not perfect with his passes but looked comfortable. He completed 5-of-7 passes for 57 yards. Maye ran twice for two runs, including a quarterback keeper around end for a touchdown. Two drives, ten points. Impressive.

Offensive Line Looked Solid

The Patriots’ offensive line is the major cause of concern for most this season, including tonight. The unit looked very solid in the first half. The starters played the first quarter, with everyone but David Andrews remaining in for Drake Maye’s first drive of the second quarter. Rookies Caedan Wallace (RT) and Layden Robinson (RG) went in for the final drive, which ended in a touchdown. Vederian Lowe has come under major scrutiny but looked very comfortable out there. He was flagged for a false start, which unfortunately for him is what many will remember about his performance.

Defenders Who Poppped

Last week Jeremmiah Pharms Jr. was the New England Patriots defender who seemed to be in on every play when he was on the field. This week there were a few Patriots defenders who impressed in the first half. Raekwon McMillan, perhaps fighting for a roster spot, made several solid plays. He lined up all over the field and made a special teams tackle too. Keion White was another standout for the Patriots.