PHILADELPHIA — Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ win over the Eagles in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:
HEADLINES
Patriots find a way: This is the type of game that no one will remember other than the victory. The defense was good, Jake Bailey was awesome and the offense had one drive. And that was enough against a lesser team and QB, even on the road.
Both offenses were terrible: We all knew the Eagles and Patriots were a bit challenged at the skill positions, but this was a bit ridiculous. Each team put together one long scoring drive ... and that was it. The Patriots had two that gained in the 40s for yards. The Eagles didn't have one over 30 yards until the final drive of the game. Just ugly.
Julian Edelman had more TD passes (1) than Tom Brady: How much do you think Edelman is going to chirp an irritated Brady about having more touchdowns than him against an average defense? At least a few days. The Patriots really needed it. The red zone was a brick wall until Edelman found an open Phillip Dorsett in the end zone.
TURNING POINT
The Edelman pass. It was 3rd and 11 from the Philly 15 and up until that point, the Patriots were 0 for 2 in the red zone. They couldn't do anything down there. And then Josh McDaniels dialed up this gem.
SECOND GUESS
Not sure why the Eagles didn't run the ball more. They were 18 for 71 yards (3.9 average) entering the fourth quarter. They have fallen in love with Wentz too much. He's not that good. The offense should not run through him.
THREE UP
Jake Bailey: The rookie punter was just outstanding in this game with eight punts for 47.6 yards and five punts inside the 20, most inside the 10. He was a huge asset in a defensive fest. The game was all field position.
Lawrence Guy/Danny Shelton: It's very rare that you see an interior lineman lead a team in tackles but Shelton did that with a sack/forced fumble. And his running mate inside had a big tackle for a loss and a fumble recovery. They both did a great job keeping the Eagles' running game largely contained.
FUMBLE! #PATRIOTS BALL! pic.twitter.com/e5Gc4WEYrz
— Casey Baker (@CaseyBake16) November 17, 2019
Nick Folk: Was 3 for 3 in a swirling wind to run his record to 5 for 5 in two games for the Patriots.
THREE DOWN
Offensive line: Brady took another beating and they didn't open much in the running game either. Didn't see much improvement after the bye, but at least Isaiah Wynn can return against Dallas.
Tom Brady: Took a vicious shot on a blitz and was never really the same after that. This obviously isn't all on him, but he had just 4.6 yards per attempt and a rating of 67.3.
Mohamed Sanu: Had just two catches for 4 yards on four targets. He needs to be bigger in these games down the stretch for this offense to have a prayer.
BIG PLAYS
SWEET FEET! James White dives into the end zone for the 2-point conversion! #Patriots pic.twitter.com/ArGk1085Ja
— Casey Baker (@CaseyBake16) November 17, 2019
BOOGEYMEN! Hightower and Van Noy with the sack! #Patriots pic.twitter.com/ahhuECUGB8
— Casey Baker (@CaseyBake16) November 17, 2019
Jakobi Meyers coming up clutch on 3rd down ? #Patriots pic.twitter.com/gVrc3KIoqy
— Casey Baker (@CaseyBake16) November 18, 2019
N’KEAL HARRY! The rookie snags his first catch with the #Patriots! pic.twitter.com/TTpOIl5yaX
— Casey Baker (@CaseyBake16) November 17, 2019
INJURIES
Phillip Dorsett (head): Left the game after his touchdown and didn't return.
Julian Edelman (left shoulder): On his end zone drop, he appeared to be injured but never left the game.
TWO TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER
It sure would be nice for this offense if Rob Gronkowski announced his return on Tuesday: The retired tight end said on social media Sunday that he would be making a big announcement. He followed that up with this tease of all teases.
What does this mean? @RobGronkowski @GregABedard @MikeGiardi @scottzolak pic.twitter.com/z5lnnvzSqG
— Cam Blankenship (@BigMoose_CBlank) November 17, 2019