Winning is a good time. As New Englanders, we are used to it. However, there is more to be learned from a loss. That’s right, the New England Patriots fell short last night in their preseason game against the Eagles. So what can be said about the loss? Well, for one, most of the Patriots starters were on the bench: QB Tom Brady, WR Wes Welker, TE Rob Gronkowski, TE Aaron Hernandez, DL Vince Wilfork, and LB Jerod Mayo all sat out in preparation for Friday night’s game against Tampa Bay.
So, let’s talk about the game, shall we? Ryan Mallet really proved himself worthy when he marched the Patriots down the field. It only resulted in a 51-yard field goal, but allowed the Patriots to score first. The Pats held their lead for the rest of the first quarter. The Patriots defense held off the Eagles, and, with 1:16 left in the first quarter, Mallet marched the Pats offense down the field again. This time resulting in a touchdown. Mallet completed 10 of 20 passes for 105 yards. Hoyer completed 5 of 17 passes for 55 yards.
Now, this is where things went south for the Patriots. The Pats fumbled the ball twice in six plays, which resulted in two Eagles touchdowns. One fumble was during a punt return by rookie Brandon Bolden. The other came from second string quarterback, Brain Hoyer, when he was sacked by Phillip Hunt. Fumbling is frowned upon in New England, especially in the eyes of head coach, Bill Belichick, who was using last night’s game to choose his roster. Nate Ebner, the rookie from Ohio State, had an interception, which might prove he’s a valuable player to the defense or special teams. I would keep an eye on Nate Ebner. Jermaine Cunningham made an impact when he sacked Eagles QB Michael Vick, knocking Vick out of the game with an injury. (It later came back that Vick was okay and did not fracture his ribs.) Alex Silvestro scored a touchdown, proving there might be a new tight end who can put up some numbers for New England this season.
Some memorable moments included Olympic medalists Aly Raisman (gymnastics), Kayla Harrison (judo), Asjha Jones (basketball) and Elizabeth Beisel (swimming) were all honored before the game.
A moment of silence was held before the game for Garrett Reid, son of Eagles head coach, Andy Reid. Garret was found dead in his dorm room on August 5th at Lehigh University.
The Patriots will hit the field again on Friday night against Tampa Bay. This time, the starters will play! Go Pats!
