After spending two days butting heads in joint practices, the Patriots and Eagles are set to meet in the second preseason game for both teams tonight at 7:30 p.m.

In a shortened preseason with teams now playing three games instead of four, it’ll be interesting to see if the coaches treat No. 2 like a typical third preseason game – meaning the starters would see considerable action.

With both coaches deciding to shorten Tuesday’s second joint practice, which was composed almost entirely of red-zone drills, it certainly sets up that way. The guess is the starters will play close to a half before handing the baton over to the subs.

But the Patriots enter the game with a rash of injuries. Their tight end corps is almost completely depleted with Hunter Henry (shoulder), Jonnu Smith (ankle) and Matt LaCosse (head) unlikely to play and Troy Fumagalli waived Tuesday. That leaves Devin Asiasi as the lone tight end available for the game. Fullback Jakob Johnson could fill in, and it might be interesting to see if N’Keal Harry gets some reps at tight end.

The cornerback room also figures to be short with Jonathan Jones missing Tuesday’s practice along with Myles Bryant, while Stephon Gilmore remains on the PUP list.

How will Bill Belichick fill the gaps?

Here are the top five things to watch.

1. CAM vs. MAC, THE NEXT CHAPTER

Of course, everything starts at quarterback. It was that way for the preseason opener, with all eyes glued on the performances and reps dished out to Cam Newton and Mac Jones. The curiosity about the quarterback duo remains the same a week later.

As it stands, Newton continues to get most of the reps with the starters, and remains the favorite to start Week 1 against Miami. But Jones continues to impress, seeing some time with the starters during practices. The rookie hasn’t stopped throwing intrigue into the equation.

While Jones has had some struggles, he’s been quick to move on, fix the mistakes and improve. He’s left the coaching staff wanting to see more. Newton, meanwhile, is coming off one of his best practices Tuesday, and continues to maintain his standing. At some point soon, perhaps after the Eagles game, the Patriots need to establish a bigger line of delineation between Newton and Jones, with the starter getting a majority of reps to prepare for the season opener.

Newton was asked Monday if Belichick had informed the quarterback that he would be the Week 1 starter.

“No. You know, he hasn’t said that,” said Newton. “So, for you to ask that question, you know, it is what it is. Every day, I’m coming out here with the anticipation to just get better, and that’s the only thing that I can do.”

Perhaps Belichick is doing his best to keep the quarterback situation a mystery, forcing Dolphins Coach Brian Flores to have to prepare for both Newton and Jones. Whatever Belichick’s motives, the quarterbacks continue to be the top attraction.

2. CORNERBACK PLAY

How will the Patriots secondary fare without Gilmore and Jonathan Jones? As it is, last week’s preseason game against Washington served to strengthen Gilmore’s leverage.

After J.C. Jackson, the list of outside cornerbacks looks a bit thin. Joejuan Williams and Jalen Mills have filled the role of a No. 2, but haven’t made anyone feel secure about doing the job. Michael Jackson Sr. has also spent time on the boundary, and has flashed at times.

During the joint practices, Jalen Hurts essentially didn’t have too much trouble picking them apart. Williams appears to be on the roster bubble, and how he fares in the game will either enhance his chances, or further put him in jeopardy. Ditto Michael Jackson.

3. GROUND AND POUND

With their stable of running backs, coupled with a top offensive line, the Patriots success offensively is going to start with the running game.

The backs all had their moments to shine in the preseason opener against Washington. Damien Harris and Sony Michel both ran well, while rookie Rhamondre Stevenson flashed with a 91-yard touchdown run. What will Stevenson’s encore look like?

During joint practices, particularly the first day, the Eagles’ defensive line, starting with defensive tackles Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave, stymied New England’s rushing attack and racked up several run-stuffs during team drills. So it bears watching if the Patriots can find more running room to get their backs untracked.

4. NELSON AGHOLOR’S IMPACT

Nelson Agholor didn’t play in the first preseason game. So this is the first chance to see what the wide receiver’s impact will be in the offense. Not only that, but Agholor is going against his former team, one that essentially cast him aside in 2020.

Agholor was a 2015 first-round pick of the Eagles, and spent five seasons with the Eagles, but left Philadelphia after failing to live up to his draft status and the expectations that came with them. Agholor went on to enjoy one of his best seasons as a pro with the Raiders (18.7 yards per catch, eight touchdowns), but wasn’t re-signed, leaving him to sign a lucrative free agent deal with the Patriots.

During the joint practices his speed was on display, especially during 1-on-1 drills where he regularly beat the Eagles defensive backs – but so was his penchant for an occasional drop. It’ll be interesting to see what carries over in the game.

5. CONTAINING JALEN HURTS

The Patriots dealt with a pocket passer during their first preseason game, facing Ryan Fitzpatrick. Now, they’ll have to deal with a mobile quarterback. Jalen Hurts will challenge the Patriots with his ability to run, and man the read option.

During the joint practices, the Pats had some ups and downs keeping Hurts at bay, both as a runner as well as a passer. The Eagles QB ran free on the edge several times during Monday’s practice, while the Pats did a better job of hemming in Hurts on Tuesday.

Obviously, the Patriots spent a ton of money during the offseason to revamp their front seven, and do a better job stopping opposing run games, not to mention mobile quarterbacks. So Belichick will be more than curious to see how his front is able to contain Hurts in the game.

Copy the Story Link

« Previous

Patriots notebook: Only one tight end available for Thursday’s game against Eagles

Next »

Newton, Jones both sharp as Patriots trounce Eagles, 35-0