Eagles vs. Patriots: Key Takeaways from Week 2 of the 2024 NFL Preseason

The NFL preseason is a testing ground where teams fine-tune their strategies and assess their talent. Week 2 delivered some intriguing storylines, especially in the match-up between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots. Here’s a comprehensive look at what we learned from the Eagles’ narrow win over the Patriots on Thursday night.

Eagles’ Backup Quarterback Battle: Who’s Leading?

The backup quarterback position for the Eagles is heating up. Kenny Pickett, making his second straight preseason start, displayed some inconsistency that might leave the door ajar for competition. On paper, Pickett’s numbers were solid—11 completions out of 13 attempts for 67 yards. However, most of those throws were short, well-designed passes. When it came to testing the deep game, Pickett appeared hesitant and struggled under pressure, taking four sacks in the process.

The performance of Tanner McKee, who played the role of third-string quarterback, could add a new twist to the quarterback conversation in Philadelphia. McKee orchestrated two scoring drives in the fourth quarter, accumulating 11 total points and showcasing his playmaking ability with a decisive pass to Ainias Smith for a two-point conversion. McKee’s final stats—15 completions on 19 attempts for 140 yards—demonstrated his command of the offense and could potentially shift the dynamics of the backup quarterback race. With McKee’s impressive showing, Pickett might need to step up his game to retain his spot.

Patriots’ Defensive Line: Rising Stars Making a Statement

While Drake Maye’s stellar performance was the talk of the town, several Patriots defenders made a strong case for themselves following Matt Judon’s departure from New England. Josh Uche, Deatrich Wise, and Keion White all contributed with sacks against the Eagles’ second-team offense, demonstrating their readiness to step up. This trio of pass rushers brought an explosive edge, leaving the Eagles’ backups scrambling and resulting in just 65 total yards and three points allowed in the first half.

Wise, who has been a reliable starter, was joined by Uche and White, both eager to expand their roles in the 2024 season. Raekwon McMillan also made a notable impact, contributing a game-high eight tackles and one tackle for loss. His versatility, including playing off the edge, showcased his ability to adapt and perform under different conditions. As New England begins life without Judon, this group of defenders made a strong statement about their capability to maintain a high level of performance.

The Eagles’ Offensive Strategy: Assessing the Depth

Philadelphia’s offensive depth was on display, albeit with mixed results. Pickett’s performance, while adequate in short-range scenarios, highlighted a potential need for improvement in handling pressure and making deeper throws. McKee’s success might prompt a reevaluation of the depth chart and possibly even a shift in how the Eagles approach their backup quarterback situation.

In contrast, the Patriots’ defensive prowess shone brightly. Their ability to disrupt Philadelphia’s second-team offense and create pressure underscores a promising defensive line that could be crucial as the season progresses. The performance of these emerging defenders suggests that the Patriots’ defense is in good hands, even with the absence of a star player like Judon.

Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for the Regular Season?

As we move closer to the regular season, these preseason performances offer valuable insights. For the Eagles, the backup quarterback battle will be closely watched, with McKee’s performance likely pushing Pickett to elevate his game. The offensive strategy may need to adapt to ensure greater success under pressure, especially if Pickett is to secure his role.

For the Patriots, the defensive line’s strong showing is a positive indicator of their ability to fill the void left by Judon. The versatility and effectiveness of players like Uche, White, and McMillan could be pivotal in their defensive schemes, providing a solid foundation for the upcoming season.

In summary, Week 2 of the 2024 NFL preseason offered a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of both teams. The Eagles’ quarterback situation and the Patriots’ defensive lineup are worth monitoring as the season approaches. Preseason games may not count in the standings, but they provide crucial information that can influence team decisions and strategies going forward.