FINAL: Eagles 25, Patriots 20 - New England had 2 chances to take lead late but come up short

Patriots had two chances with the ball to take the lead late in this game but turned it over on downs each time. 

Bill Belichick not kicking a field goal down 8 on 4th and 3 loomed large for the rest of the game.

Despite the Patriots dropping their third straight season opener, overall, a lot more positives than negatives.

The pick-six and Zeke Elliott's fumble put them in a deep hole. But the defense more than held their own to keep the Patriots in the game.

Mac Jones threw for over 300 yards and 3 TDs but he had some real struggles at times in this game. Didn't step into throws. Felt pressure. Kayshon Boutte had chances to make two big catches but both times didn't get both feet in.

All the rookies seemed to have their good moments, especially Christian Gonzalez and Keion White.

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Regular season Game #1: Philadelphia Eagles (0-0) at Patriots (0-0), 4:25 p.m.
Location: Gillette Stadium.
TV: CBS/WBZ-4. Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tony Romo (color), Tracy Wolfson (sidelines).
Radio: 98.5-FM The SportsHub in Boston. **Bedard will be on the postgame show approximately one hour after the game.**
Online: Live Box | Patriots media notes | Eagles media notes | Flipcard
FanDuel Latest Line: Eagles -3.5, o/u 45
AccuWeather forecast: 76 degrees with threat of rain/thunderstorms toward end of the game.

ROSTER MOVES/UPDATES

• WR DeVante Parker (knee) is reportedly out
• QB Bailey Zappe, WR Ty Montgomery signed to 53
• QB Matt Corral put on exempt/left squad list
• CB Jack Jones to IR
• LB Calvin Munson elevated from practice squad
• Eagles elevated WR Britain Covey and P Arryn Siposs from the practice squad.

INJURY REPORT

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PREGAME READING/LISTENING

Bedard: Patriots' margin of error continues to be too small to contend in 2023
Bedard: Ranking the Patriots' 2023 roster - Are they making some headway?
Bedard: UPDATE - Zappe, Montgomery to 53, Munson elevated; Corral on exempt/left squad list; Jack Jones to IR
NFL Notebook: Insiders dish on the Patriots short and long term future
Completed Q&A: Bedard on Patriots-Eagles, 2023 season 09.09.23
.@fdsportsbook & @drink_AG1 Podcast & Video: Bedard Patriots Pod - 2023 Season Preview
2023 NFL Season Predictions from Bedard and Giardi - Where do the Patriots land?
Giardi: Tom Brady returns to New England having left an indelible mark on the team and region
Bedard's Breakdown: Rookie Marte Mapu a possible intriguing x-factor vs. Eagles
Giardi: The Patriots will have their hands full with Hurts, Eagles
Bedard: Could Matt Patricia continue to factor into Belichick's final chapter - from the other sideline?
Bedard: A look at the Eagles with Jeff McLane - New coordinators add to intrigue with defending NFC champs

THINGS TO WATCH FOR

1. Tom Brady's return: All we know is that it will be at halftime, broadcast on Patriots.com and their socials and that Brady will speak with CBS, Patriots content and not be available to wider media. Stage:

2. BB Watch: Bill Belichick is 18-10 in season openers and has lost two straight.

Belichick begins his 49th consecutive NFL season in 2023. The only other NFL coaches with at least 40 consecutive NFL coaching seasons are Dick LeBeau (45) and Tom Moore (41).

3. Rookie Show: The Patriots will have a rookie kicker and a rookie punter in 2023 after drafting K Chad Ryland in the fourth round and P Bryce Baringer in the sixth round. The Patriots are the first team since the 2000 Oakland Raiders to begin the year with a rookie kicker and punter that were selected in the same draft.

The Patriots have 11 rookies on the roster, the sixth time under Belichick had at least 10. Not usually a good sign for the team. Records and results:

2000 (10): 5-11
2009 (10): 10-6, 0-1
2010 (11): 14-2, 0-1
2013 (13): 12-4, 1-1
2015 (10): 12-4, 1-1

KEY MATCHUPS