What to Watch For: Eagles vs. Patriots
Joe Calabro, GoLocalProv Sports Team
What to Watch For: Eagles vs. Patriots
"This is a pretty impressive group. There are a lot of talented players on this team. They're really strong in all three phases of the game. Special teams is probably the best unit we've faced all year. They led the league in special teams last year and should be right up there again this season," said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick earlier this week.
Tom Brady added "I think we all want to get back out there because it's been a long time since we've lost a meaningful game. It just sucks."
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This is an important game for the Patriots coming off thier first loss.
With five games left, New England has a one game lead over Cincinnatti and Denver for the number one seed in the AFC. However, the Patriots don't have the tie breaker with Denver.
It's not super important to get the top seed, however, a first round bye is very important.
Next week's game could be another challenge, Sunday Night Football in Houston so this game is vital.
What do the Patriots need to do to win?
See the What to Watch For Slideshow Below
What to Watch For: Eagles vs. Patriots
Jamie Collins
After missing the last couple of weeks with sickness, Jamie Collins is expected to make his return to the Patriots defensive lineup against the Eagles.
Now how much will he play and how effective will he be is a different story.
His snap count will be something to keep an eye on.
Jerod Mayo
Dont'a Hightower as of Saturday night was listed as questionable to play after getting injured last week against Denver.
Hightower was at practice this week.
Hightower being out, or even limited in the game,means that Jerod Mayo will go from basically a part time role to more of a full time role on the defense. While Collins is expected to be back, it's unlikely he will play a normal amount of snaps.
Mayo has been on and off the field all season as he is still trying to get back from two straight seasons.
Butler vs. Mathews
The Eagles offense has struggled so far this season at every position. Like the Patriots, they have also had to deal with injuries which hasn't helped.
ONe of the players having a good year is second year receiver Jordan Matthews.
Matthews has 58 catches for 625 yards and three touchdowns. That's nearly three times as many catches as Josh Huff, the second leading receiver on the team.
Expect Malcolm Butler to see time on Matthews.
Brandon LaFell
Since coming off the PUP in week seven against the Jets, Brandon LaFell has 21 catches on 47 targets for 342 yards and no touchdowns. LaFell averages only 3.5 catches per game.
With all the injuries the offense has, look for Brandon LaFell to play a bigger role then he has to this point.
Expect his targets to increase. He needs to come up with the catches, which has been an issue at times.
Scott Chandler
I called for Chandler to step up last week and he recorded five catches on 11 targets for 58 yards and a touchdown.
Chandler only has 19 catches on the season however and has overall been a bit of a disapointment.
With no Gronkowski, Chandler becomes even more important to the offense. Lets see if he can build off of last week.
