Most Important Storylines Heading into Patriots Preseason Game vs. Eagles

The New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles will move their battles from the practice field to the game field.

The second of three preseason games kicks off from Gillette Stadium tonight, and it will be another opportunity for the defending AFC champions to get better ahead of the regular season. In their way are the Eagles, two years removed from a Super Bowl title of their own and a potent defense that can make life difficult for anyone.

"This is a very good football team. It has been for quite some time," head coach Mike Vrabel said this week. "They're really good at the line of scrimmage, big physical lines of scrimmage. Certainly, an excellent quarterback. They're well-coached, good defensive scheme, so I think this'll be a really good measuring stick just to see where we're at this point in camp."

With two really exciting practices in the rearview mirror, here's what I'm looking for from Foxboro.

How Much Run Do Starters Get?

Jul 28, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (1) makes a catch during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When the Patriots tied with the Indianapolis Colts 13-13 in last week's preseason opener, we didn't get to see many of the team's starters. It was Tommy DeVito and Behren Morton leading the way under center, and while we did get a few snaps out of Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte, it was primarily backups.

In 2025, Drake Maye and the starting offense got a few snaps in the second preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings before being yanked. That feels like it could be a possible outcome, especially if A.J. Brown wants to play against his former team.

"Milt (Milton Williams) played there, A.J. played there," Vrabel said. "I think these guys are professionals and they've shown that they want to practice for us. I'm sure there are some added feelings for them, but I'm not going to try to explain what those are."

If the starters do get on the field, don't expect anything that will knock your socks off.

How Does RB3 Competition Stack Up?

Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Jam Miller (30) runs the ball against Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (26) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Last week, it was the Jam Miller show (14 rushes, 55 yards) against the Colts. Maybe the rookie will get another large opportunity to carry the brunt of the rushing attack against the Eagles. But maybe it will be veteran Hassan Haskins, who was repping above Miller during the joint practices.

Lan Larison had a productive day as a receiver last week, but really hasn't shown anything when it comes to running the ball. Along with JaMycal Hasty, those four players will make up the Patriots backfield this summer. Right now, it feels like it's Miller vs. Haskins for the third running back job.

Will Turnovers Carry Over From Last Week?

Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker K.J. Britt (35) punches the ball free forcing Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) to fumble during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Patriots forced four turnovers against the Colts (two interceptions, two forced fumbles) and it was one of the brightest spots of the tie. But it was the Colts backups, and it would be difficult for the Patriots to carry that into this week of practices.

Quite the contrary. In two days of practice, the Patriots secondary picked off Eagles quarterbacks seven times. Marcus Jones had three, including a pair of pick-sixes. The takeaway trend is starting up in New England, but it will only be impactful if those practice highlights can translate into game highlights.

Can Andy Borregales Bounce Back?

Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots place kicker Andy Borregales (36) looks on during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Borregales was one of the low lights from last week, missing three field goals. The final one was a potential game-winner with under 10 seconds left, and led to Vrabel mentioning how the team might bring in competition.

So how will the Patriots' second-year kicker bounce back?

Right now, he's the only kicker on the roster, so there isn't any real competition. But for him to truly wipe last week's performance away, he'll need to be accurate and strong when he trots out for field goals and extra points.

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