Finally, after the long offseason, the NFL season is right around the corner. The Eagles start their season against the New England Patriots up in Foxborough. There’s a lot of expectations and hype around the Eagles this year, along with a tough schedule that will put those aspirations to the test. Thus, it’s incredibly important for them to get off to a great start and win games like they have in Week 1.
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However, while the Patriots were largely uninspiring last year, they can prove to be much more difficult. For the Eagles to get the hot start they need they will need their star-studded defensive line filled with vets and rookies to mesh early. They can be the major key to this game and ensure a comfortable victory over the Patriots.
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The Defensive Line is Key to a Winning Start: Eagles vs Patriots Picks
The Patriots Defense is the Scariest Factor in the Game
While the Eagles have a defense that many expect to be one of the best, the Patriots should be right there with them, if not higher. Last year, the Patriots defense finished in the top ten in yards allowed per game and 11th in points allowed per game. Their defense was really good last year, and it might be even better this year. They had young corners who showed a lot of promise in Jack Jones and Marcus Jones and now another first-round cornerback with a ton of potential in Christian Gonzalez. Their secondary is very good and can give problems to any passing offense.
The front seven of the Patriots defense is also something to be wary of. Matthew Judon is a top ten edge rusher in the league and other unheralded players such as defensive tackle Christian Barmore and edge rusher Josh Uche can wreck games as well. Yet, the biggest worry will always come from Bill Belichick and his expertise. In a new season with tons of talent on his defense and months to prepare for the Eagles, it will be hard to imagine the Eagles offense running over the Patriots defense. Not only that, but the Patriots had the second most takeaways in the league last year, so the Eagles at least early on, might benefit from being conservative in their offensive approach.
The Patriots Offense will be Better
One of the biggest issues with the Patriots last year was their lack of an experienced offensive coordinator. They were towards the bottom of the league in 2022 in total yards, passing yards, and rushing yards per game. Now with Bill O’Brien as the offensive coordinator, there’s a chance that this offense can do a complete 180 into competence. They have solid receivers (when they can stay healthy), a good offensive line, and a great running back in Rhamondre Stevenson. There are going to be questions and concerns about Patriots quarterback Mac Jones until he can shove the doubters away. But Jones is a talented player who can make every throw and play well in the pocket. Expect him to play well in the season opener and make the offense much more dangerous.
The Eagles Defensive Line Needs to Reinforce Their Identity
Last year, the Eagles led the league in sacks by a staggering 15 sacks from second place Kansas City Chiefs. For the Eagles to be where they want to be in February, they’re going to need a similar performance, and against the Patriots is the perfect opportunity to put those expectations to the test. The Patriots may lack the quantity of superstar, game-changing players, but they’re a good, well-balanced team. With Coach Belichick as well, the Patriots are likely not going to be making mistakes or shooting themselves in the foot. In other words, nothing is guaranteed or a blatantly clear advantage in this game for the Eagles (except maybe a quarterback advantage).
The Patriots offensive line is a good unit, but their projected starting right tackle, Riley Reiff, was placed on IR ahead of the season opener. Calvin Anderson is filling in for Rieff at right tackle and will be thrown into the fire against Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat. However, even though the Patriots offensive line is good, good should not be enough to handle the defensive line of the Eagles. Mac Jones is not a mobile quarterback, and constantly putting pressure on him in the pocket will be a huge detriment to the Patriots offense. If the Eagles defensive line is not able to get pressure and is not dominating against the run, the Patriots will have no problem methodically moving the ball down the field and playing a close game with the Eagles.
The Eagles vs Patriots Picks
Eagles win, 23-16
This will likely be a low-scoring game but don’t be shocked if both offenses start to open up late in the game. The Eagles defensive line should be making plays and making it very hard for the Patriots to consistently score, especially with the talent the Eagles have at corner as well. As mentioned earlier, it might not be the most explosive day for the Eagles offense, but they should get over the 20-point mark and win by efficiency more than anything else. Here are some other Eagles vs Patriots picks in Week 1.
Mac Jones Under 225.5 Passing Yards
Jalen Hurts Anytime TD Scorer (Rushing Touchdown)
2nd half spread: Eagles -2.5
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