The time has finally arrived, as the Eagles and Patriots will get it on at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, 4:25 PM on CBS.
New England is coming off an 8-9 non-playoff season, and they brought back OC Bill O’Brien to help save quarterback Mac Jones. Philadelphia is coming off a 14-win regular season in 2022, along with a Super Bowl appearance. The Eagles have won 10 of its last 12 season-opening games.
Buy Eagles TicketsWith kickoff fast approaching, we’re looking at five matchups to watch when Philadelphia is on defense, and New England is on offense.
JuJu Smith-Schuster vs. Avonte Maddox
After winning a Super Bowl ring with the Chiefs in February, JuJu Smith-Schuster joined the Patriots on a three-year deal.
He’ll likely be in the slot, and matched up against Eagles defensive back, Avonte Maddox.
Smith-Schuster and James Bradberry also have history, and we could also see the All-Pro cornerback slide down into the slot on select plays.
Smith-Schuster has been dealing with a knee injury and will be a good test for Maddox
Ravens RT Calvin Anderson vs. Haason Reddick
The Patriots put starting right tackle Riley Reiff on IR this week, which means Calvin Anderson is likely to get the start at right tackle.
He’ll deal with Haason Reddick, Nolan Smith and Brandon Graham.
Rhamondre Stevenson vs. Nakobe Dean
Stevenson is coming off a 1,000-yard season in 2022 and will be joined in the backfield this year by former Cowboy Ezekiel Elliott.
Nakobe Dean will start his first regular season game and the Patriots duo offers a stiff test.
Eagles DC Sean Desai vs. New England QB Mac Jones
The Eagles led the league with 70 quarterback sacks and topped the NFL in pass defense last season, and they an even more athletic unit after adding Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith.
Former Patriots OC Matt Patricia is now a Senior Defensive Assistant, so he’s familiar with what New England will attempt to run.
The Patriots are going to counter the Philadelphia pass rush with their own running game and quick passes.
