Although it was the second preseason game, the Patriots have to feel good about what took place Thursday night in Philly.
The Patriots rolled to a 35-0 win over the Eagles.
All units played well and the team got contributions from all levels of the roster. With that being said, it should be noted a good chunk of the Eagles starters did not play, including Jalen Hurts and their top defensive linemen, which should be noted with everything that happened.
But, when it comes to controlling what they could control, the Patriots certainly took care of business Thursday night and it was a good way to cap the week in Philadelphia.
Here are 10 quick thoughts from the game.
1. Cam Newton started and played the first three series, although the first one was just two running plays, including a Damien Harris touchdown. The veteran was very impressive, finishing 8-for-9 with 103 yards and a touchdown (to Jakobi Meyers). He completed his first three passes — 18, 23 and 10 yards — and it may have been his best three straight completion stretch as a member of the Patriots. Newton looked very comfortable in the pocket and delivered throws on target with some zip. The veteran certainly made a case that he’s deserving to start come the regular season. It was a great night for Newton.
2. Mac Jones came on for the fourth series and unlike last week when his first series was with the starting offensive line, this week it was with all backups. The rookie played four series, lasting all the way to basically the end of the third quarter. Jones finished 13-for-19 with 146 yards and led the offense to three touchdown drives. Like Newton, he was very impressive with his decision-making and on target throws. He also did a nice job with the hurry-up offensive coming out of halftime, which was the case last week. If there was one issue to look at, it was perhaps not managing the clock properly at the end of the first half. But, that’s bound to happen with a rookie. Like Newton, it was a great night for Jones.
3. Matt Judon continues to show he will be a difference-maker for the Patriots defense this season. In just three series, he finished with a strip sack, a drawn hold, a pressure and a QB hit. He’s been impressive in the practices and has carried it over to games. It also seems like he’s a player that is buying into the Patriots culture.
4. There were a few injuries to take note of. N’Keal Harry got banged up after diving for a Jones deep ball at the very end of the first half. He was attended to on the field by trainers and reports on the scene had him walking to the locker room with his left arm close to his body, as if it was in a sling. It was also reported Josh Uche went to the locker room with trainers early in the game and did not come back out for the second half. More will likely be known in the next day or so.
5. After undrafted rookie kicker Quinn Nordin had a solid few weeks, he’s taken a big step back. The Michigan product missed two extra points and a 36-yard field goal. There’s no doubt he has a strong leg, but consistency has been an issue for him dating back to his days at Michigan. Veteran Nick Folk has made 40 of his last 45 field goal attempts, so it would seem as of now if healthy, he would be the starting kicker. If that happens, the Patriots will likely try and keep Nordin around on the practice squad.
6. The Patriots are loaded at running back. With Brandon Bolden not playing, all of the other running backs had impressive showings and it will be interesting to see what the team does as it’s unlikely all of them will be able to make the final roster. Last week it was Rhamondre Stevenson breaking out, this week it was J.J. Taylor, who finished with 12 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown, along with catching three passes out of the backfield.
7. While Chase Winovich committed a roughing the passer penalty on one of his first plays of the game, he bounced back nicely. The third-year player was one of the best defensive players on the field Thursday, finishing with five tackles and two sacks. It will be interesting to see what happens with him, as he could potentially be traded given how much depth the team has at edge rusher.
8. It was a good night for the offensive line, both starters and backups, as they led the way for the team to rush for 207 yards. There’s no doubt the starting unit is among the best in football, the only question is what happens if one of them were to get hurt for an extended period of time.
9. Penalties were an issue for the Patriots for a second straight week. They finished with eight on the night. This is something the coaching staff cannot be thrilled with and will certainly look to clean up for the final preseason game and into the regular season.
10. The Patriots will have the weekend off before getting back to work for a few days ahead of two joint practices next Wednesday and Thursday at Gillette Stadium against the Giants. The two teams will wrap-up the preseason a week from Sunday night at MetLife Stadium. We’ll see how much the starters do this week and then if that impacts their playing time in the preseason finale.