Patriots-Eagles Snaps & Grades: Who Played Most, Best?
FOXBORO — Following their 25-20-loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1 at Gillette Stadium, the New England Patriots continue to take stock into their performance on both sides of the ball.
Having turned in a satisfactory performance, there are still plenty of areas in which the Pats will seek improvement. While game-film analysis will be the main focus, a look at playing time may assist the team in helping devise effective strategies moving forward.
Here is a look at the Patriots offensive snap counts, along with some possible insight on New England’s future game-planning.
OFFENSE
On offense, the Pats overall snap count was 80 versus the Eagles.
Quarterbacks
Unsurprisingly, Mac Jones went the distance, taking 100 percent of the Pats snaps on offense. However, the newly-turned 25-year-old’s day did not get off to a rousing start. On only the seventh play of his first series, Jones’s pass intended for receiver Kendrick Bourne bounced off his target’s fingertips into the waiting hands of Eagles cornerback Darius Slay for the Pick 6. Still, Jones recovered nicely from a rough start to finish 35 of 54 for 316 yards, with three touchdowns and a the aforementioned interception. Though he missed a handful of ‘must-have moments’ down the stretch, Jones displayed more comfort and confidence while running coordinator Bill O’Brien’s offense.
Grade: B-
Offensive Line
With starting guards Cole Strange and Michael Onwenu both sidelined due to injury, New England was forced to rely on a pair of rookies to carry the burden of protecting Mac Jones. Things were rough for New England early, as their first five drives resulted in the aforementioned pick-six, a fumble that led to another Eagles touchdown, and three consecutive three-and-outs resulting in a 16-0 Philadelphia lead. However, the Patriots pass protection unit performed relatively well from that point on, especially along the interior. The makeshift unit of Trent Brown at left tackle, Atonio Mafi at right guard, David Andrews at center, Sidy Sow at right guard and Calvin Anderson at right tackle collectively played every snap, while surrendering only two fourth-quarter sacks on Jones.
Grade: C+
Running Back
New England entered the game intent on running the ball ... and the Eagles knew it. While Rhamondre Stevenson (58 snaps) and Ezekiel Elliott (28 snaps) showed flashes of future success — including a 32-yard catch-and run by Stevenson during a touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter — the Pats impressive tandem is still working towards hitting its stride. Elliott showed a burst and toughness, but his first-quarter fumble after catching a screen pass was a killer. Despite getting looks in the return game, veteran Ty Montgomery aligned at running back for only seven snaps on offense.
Grade: C
Tight Ends
Hunter Henry experienced something of a rejuvenation in Week 1, taking 79 percent of the Pats offenisve snaps. The newly-elected team captain caught five passes for 56 yards and one touchdown. As such, he was able to accentuate his impressive route running skills, as well as his ability to box out in O’Brien’s two-tight end sets. Henry ultimately turned in what was the best catch of the day on either side, converting on a fourth-and-8 early in the fourth quarter. Gesicki performed well in his Patriots debut, catching all three of his targets for 36 yards
Grade: B+
Receivers
The Patriots receiving corps may be the most polarizing position when it comes to evaluating performance against the Eagles. Kendrick Bourne (73 snaps) led all receivers by catching six passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns. With veteran DeVante Parker out of action due to a lingering knee injury, the Pats turned to rookies Demario Douglas (55 snaps) and Kayshon Boutte (33 snaps) to help pace the offense. Boutte’s inability to land both feet on the ground in a potentially game-changing reception late in the fourth-quarter will haunt him for a while. Still, he flashed both speed and break ability, which is a good sign for the future. Though he is expected to be among the Patriots most prominent pass catchers this season, JuJu Smith-Schuster aligned on only 43 snaps.
Grade: B-
DEFENSE
On defense, the Pats overall snap count was 66 versus the Eagles.
Defensive Line
New England’s defensive line answered perhaps the team’s biggest concern heading into this matchup with the Eagles. Despite being one of the strongest rushing attacks in the NFL, the Eagles were limited to just 97 yards and 3.9 yards per rush, while Jalen Hurts rushed for only 37 yards on nine attempts. Both Davon Godchaux and Lawrence Guy provided solid run defense along the interior, while Deatrich Wise (who led all linemen by logging 41 snaps) set a strong edge. Despite taking only 14 snaps, rookie Keion White was credited with four pressures and one pass breakup. The Georgia Tech product was instrumental in keeping Hurts on his heels for much of the afternoon.
Grade: A
Linebackers
Team captain Ja’Whaun Bentley not only took 100 percent of the Pats snaps on defense, he also led the team with nine total tackles. Along with Jahlani Tavai (37 snaps), Bentley was integral in keeping Philadelphia from gaining additional yards after initial contact. Two of the Patriots three sacks on Hurts came from the linebacking corps, specifically Matthew Judon and Josh Uche each notching one. Collectively, the Pats linebackers pressured Hurts on 41 percent of his throws.
Grade: A
Cornerbacks
While Jonathan Jones (53 snaps) and Myles Bryant (44 snaps) may be the elder statesmen in the Pats cornerback group, rookie Christian Gonzalez set the standard by playing on all 66 snaps against the Eagles. Gonzalez completed his pro debut with seven total tackles (one for loss), one quarterback hit, a pass breakup and one sack on a corner blitz. Though the Oregon product is still getting some valuable on-the-job training - and had trouble shadowing A.J. Brown at times - Gonzalez clearly showed that his rookie-year ceiling is significantly high.
Grade: B+
Safeties
Kyle Dugger led all safeties by playing on 100 perfect of the Pats snaps on defense. He also earned four tackles. Veteran Adrian Phillips saw limited action (17 snaps), aligning at the star position. The peasant surprise of the afternoon was Jabrill Peppers (58 snaps,) who finished the day with six total tackles, a pass break-up and a late fourth-quarter forced fumble, which gave the Pats the ball with 3:35 left in the fourth quarter. Overall, New England’s safeties provided strategic pressure from the second and third levels of the defense — giving them ample opportunity to earn the upset victory which ultimately eluded them.
Grade B+
Up Next:
The Patriots will remain within the confines of Gillette Stadium when they host the Miami Dolphins (1-0) on Sundaywith a 8:20 p.m. kickoff.
