The New England Patriots fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 25-20 in their season opener on Sunday, September 11, 2023. The loss was the Patriots’ third straight season-opening defeat.
The Patriots got off to a rough start, giving up two turnovers on their first two possessions. The Eagles capitalized on those turnovers, scoring touchdowns on both drives to take a 16-0 lead.
The Patriots responded with a strong second quarter, scoring 17 unanswered points to tie the game at 16. Mac Jones threw two touchdown passes in the quarter, one to Kendrick Bourne and one to Jakobi Meyers.
The Eagles took the lead back in the third quarter, scoring a field goal to make it 20-16. The Patriots had a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter, but they were unable to convert on a fourth-and-goal from the Eagles’ 1-yard line.
The Patriots’ defense played well for most of the game, holding the Eagles to just one touchdown. However, the Eagles were able to make enough plays in the clutch to come away with the victory.
The loss was a tough one for the Patriots, but it was also a learning experience. The Patriots showed some flashes of promise, but they also made some mistakes that cost them the game. They will need to clean up those mistakes if they want to be successful this season.
Key Takeaways from the Game
- The Patriots’ defense played well for most of the game, holding the Eagles to just one touchdown. However, the Eagles were able to make enough plays in the clutch, including a 4th-and-1 conversion, to come away with the victory.
- Mac Jones had a solid game, completing 22 of 30 passes for 281 yards and three touchdowns. However, he also threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
- The Patriots’ running game struggled, gaining just 75 yards on 22 carries. Damien Harris led the way with 39 yards on 11 carries.
- The Patriots’ special teams were a bright spot, blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown.
Looking Ahead
The Patriots will have a chance to bounce back next week when they face the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins are also coming off a loss, so this should be a competitive game. The Patriots will need to clean up their mistakes and play more consistent football if they want to win.