Preseason Week 2 Preview: Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots

The Philadelphia Eagles play the New England Patriots in New England tonight at 8:00 PM. The Birds kick off their second preseason game in what feels like months since their last, having played Thursday against the Steelers and winning 24 – 23. They face the Patriots at Gilette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. The game will be shown on 6ABC (locally) and ESPN.  

 The Birds hold a six to five series advantage over the Patriots in regular season and postseason play.  The Eagles have lost their last four encounters that they’ve played, however.  Philadelphia does not play the Patriots during the 2012 regular season.

Andy Reid and the squad go up to Foxboro for another matchup that has usually meant something to both franchises.  Now, they meet to shake off the rust of a long and fruitless offseason.

The Eagles prepare to go with each one of their four quarterbacks assigned to their specific quarter.  With Michael Vick needing x-rays last time, the team may pull the plug early if he again looks uncomfortable after sustaining an injury.

Look for Demetrius Bell to get a longer look at right tackle; that means more than 6 plays.  If the Eagles' replacement for Jason Peters (on IR) doesn't have what it takes, the Eagles will put in King Dunlap to at least let Vick take some snaps.

The Eagles next game is also this Friday against the Browns in Cleveland.  They finish their preseason at the Linc against the Jets.

The Patriots will start their playmakers on offense for only a possession.  That means Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez will see a very small amount of playing time tonight.

New England's next game is Friday against Tampa Bay. The Patriots end their preseason against the Giants in New York.

Out for the Eagles are Riley Cooper, Mike Patterson, and Colt Anderson (on the Physically unable to perform list) . Questionable to play are Mike Kafka and Jason Babin.

For the Patriots, Dane Fletcher was recently placed on the injured reserve with a knee injury.

With this game comes news of DeSean Jackson’s comments that he didn’t give a full effort last season because of looming contract squabbles with Eagles brass.

Jackson said, “I let it get to me, even though I tried not to let it. I was trying to protect myself from getting hurt — now I'm just giving it all."

Jackson signed a 5 year contract extension in the offseason. The 5 foot 10 wide receiver was less than effective for the Birds last year.

The Eagles have a lot of questions to sure up.  What all Eagles fans hope for is to come away with this game completely intact. Sometimes with preseason games, that's all there is to look forward to.