BSJ Game Report: Patriots 24, Eagles 21 - Vrabel called out 'dogshit defense,' said team not very deep

Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ loss to the Eagles in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:

BOX SCORE

HEADLINES

Vrabel said a couple of interesting things after the game: First off, he was asked about taking a timeout and talking to the defense during the middle of a drive when the Eagles were running through them.

"I saw dogshit defense, and I wanted to talk to them," Vrabel said. "And I figured that if I didn't call a timeout, that I wouldn't be able to get what I wanted to say off my chest."

And Vrabel was asked about not playing the starters in the two home preseason games, and he revealed what he thinks about his roster.

"I don't think we have a very deep team," Vrabel said. "So I think we have to make sure that we're preparing our football team and that we're doing everything that we can to keep our best players available. And if that means playing Thursday as part of preparation, that's what we'll do."

Kyle Williams scores for second-straight game: The second-year receiver continues to be a bit inconsistent — you'd like to see him play a little more physical fighting for the ball — but you can't teach speed. Williams got behind the Eagles' defense and Tommy DeVito hit him in stride for a 69-yard touchdown, his second score of the preseason.

Eliot Wolf addresses the Christian Gonzalez contract situation: The team's Executive Vice President of Player Personnel made a visit to the TV booth with the McCourty twins, and Wolf was asked about the Patriots' fourth-year cornerback.

"Each side is trying to do what's right for them," Wolf said. "Obviously, Christian's a tremendous player that you know we've been on record multiple times saying we want him to be here, and that hasn't changed. So we're going to continue working with this representation to try to get something done."

The "each side" thing would indicate that there hasn't been a lot of movement on this.

Patriots starters and others don't play: Most of the Patriots, including Drake Maye, were suited up (without leg pads) and took part in some drills before the game. 

Not spotted in warmups:

CB Christian Gonzalez
S Kevin Byard III
RB TreVeyon Henderson
S Craig Woodson
FB Reggie Gilliam

CB Channing Canada
OLB Xavier Holmes
C/G Ben Brown
TE Eli Raridon

Raridon not playing was a bit of a surprise, but so was Kayshon Boutte not stepping on the field. I asked about it, and was told that Boutte didn't need to play. If you were trying to showcase him in a trade, he probably did. So that might be an indication that Boutte will be staying put.

Another note: new guard/center Greg Van Roten was on the field wearing No. 70 in warmups.

Patriots backups get pushed around: The Eagles' backups had their way with the Patriots' offensive and defensive line for much of the first half. The Patriots' starting line of Caleb Lomu, Mehki Butler, Jacob Rizy, James Hudson and Marcus Bryant (injured on first series, replaced by Demetrious Crownover) was littered with poor play and penalties. Lomu was mostly solid (he did allow a sack), but Hudson and Butler really struggled at times. It wasn't much better for the front seven of the Patriots' defense. You could see the displeasure on Mike Vrabel's face most of the night.

Scary moment to start the game: Covering the opening kickoff, Eagles RB Ja’Quinden Jackson appeared to be knocked unconscious on the turf. Eventually, the ambulance was brought out, he was put on the backboard, and transported to a local hospital for evaluation. It was announced that Jackson had strength and movement in all extremities.

FOUR UP

CB Kindle Vildor: Before he checked out of the game, he had two pass breakups and an interception that was wiped away by a penalty.

Quarterbacks: Both of them had their moments. DeVito had the touchdown pass and three rushes for 44 yards. Behren Morton started 7 of 8 for 60 yards, and finished 13 of 17 for 129 yards, and the game-winning touchdown to Nick DeGennaro.

Morton also punted three times for a 44.3 average. Vrabel said at halftime it was about getting ready for an emergency situation. Bryce Baringer did punt twice for a 45.5 average with a long of 61 yards.

RB Lan Larison: Picked up a big fourth down that was poorly blocked, and powered the team to a touchdown that drive. He also had a 28-yard reception when he was wide open.

WR Efton Chism: Led the team in catching all four of his targets for 45 yards.

THREE DOWN

RG James Hudson: Started the game with two holding penalties, a run stuff allowed and a sack allowed. Maybe it got a little better.

LB Chad Muma: Missed back-to-back tackles and keeps getting exposed in space.

LG Mehki Butler: Also shared in the early struggles with the offensive line.

INJURIES

OT Marcus Bryant (ankle): Went down on the first series and was ruled out. Dametrious Crownover was subbed in.

LB Khalil Jacobs (lower body): Took a hit near the sideline in the second quarter and went to the blue tent. He did stay on the sideline for the rest of the game.

LB Chad Muma: Went off late in the game.

P Bryce Baringer: Vrabel said after the game that Baringer "didn't feel great" after the first two punts, so they decided to go with Behren Morton as the punter to finish the game.

TOP PLAYS

TWO TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER

It sucks Marcus Bryant went down, but I'm not worried about the tackle depth yet: Bryant, at least when he's been at left tackle, has been one of the biggest surprises of camp, to the point that you might play him over Caleb Lomu if there were a serious injury early in the season (Bryant on the right has not been good). So seeing him go down with an ankle was not great, but I'm not panicking. A) You have Lomu, who seems to be getting better. B) Dametrious Crownover has looked like a keeper and could get you by, especially at right tackle. And C) James Hudson is really a tackle, and he could pop back there with Van Roten around.

And, again, I really feel for the fans not getting to see Drake Maye: I'm not saying anyone is at fault, but if I were a season ticket holder, and I paid those prices for all the home games, you'd like to get the chance to see Maye and the starters do something in two home preseason games. Couldn't he hand off three times?