New England Patriots Week 1 Preview: vs Philadelphia Eagles

By DJ Harding

The New England Patriots kickoff the regular season against the reigning NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles This will be the first matchup between the two franchises since 2019 and the Eagles first time back in Gillette since 2015.

As of Friday the injury report is total opposites for the Patriots and Eagles. The Patriots have cornerback Jack Jones listed as out while having Quarterback Matt Corral, Offensive Lineman Mike Onwenu, Running Back Rhamondre Stevenson, Wide Receiver Devante Parker, and Offensive Guard Cole Strange all listed as questionable.

Corral and Stevenson who are dealing with non injury related and an illness respectively both didn’t participate in Fridays practice. Onwenu, Parker, and Strange were all limited participants. Onwenu is dealing with an ankle injury while Parker and Strange each deal with a knee issue.

The Eagles are the exact opposite of the Patriots having no one listed on the injury report. With a fully healthy squad New England will have to find a way to slow down Jalen Hurts on offense and the Eagles pass rush on defense.

New England does have an advantage having a 35-26 record in week one performances all time and at home they are 23-14. In the last 15 seasons the Patriots are 10-4 in week one with that record either improving to 11-4 or 10-5 after this week one matchup.

Unfortunately Mac Jones himself is currently 0-2 in week one starts which might make that week one advantage irrelevant.

The Man who is responsible for most of the 10-4 week one starts will be present for the season opener. Tom Brady is being honored by the Patriots after playing for the franchise for 20 years.

This matchup also features a bunch of new coordinators with Bill O’Brien returning to New England, while Philadelphia has two new coordinators after losing both of their coordinators to new head coaching jobs. Sean Desai is the defensive coordinator for the Eagles, while Brian Johnson serves as offensive coordinator.

The New England Patriots kickoff the regular season against the reigning NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles with kickoff set for 4:25.