Patriots roll 38-20 over the Eagles

While some thought Sunday’s game with the Eagles could be tough game for the Patriots, it wasn’t anything near that as the Patriots rolled to a 38-13 win in Philadelphia. The loss drops the Eagles to 4-7 and pretty much eliminates them from any shot at the postseason. The Patriots improve to 8-3 and are very much in control of the AFC East as well as a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Things didn’t get off to the greatest start for the Patriots as on their first possession the Eagles went 84 yards in five plays, capped off by a 2-yard touchdown run by Lesean McCoy, giving the Eagles a quick 7-0 lead. The Eagles scored on their next possession on a 43-yard field goal from Alex Henery to give them a 10-0 lead.

The Patriots secondary was beaten badly by back up quarterback Vince Young which led to both Eagle scores, but the unit made some quick adjustments and didn’t allow many big plays after that.

Tom Brady led the Patriots to score the next 21 points. The Patriots scored on their next two possessions — 61 and 76 yard drives respectively, both finished off on touchdown runs by Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis. The third touchdown was on a 41-yard touchdown catch from Wes Welker.

The Eagles added a field goal, but Stephen Gostkowski responded with a 45-yard field goal right before the half to give the Patriots a 24-13 lead at the break.

The Patriots continued to dominate in the second half, scoring both second half touchdowns. Welker caught his second of the day and Rob Gronkowski added one in the fourth quarter, rounding out the scoring for the Patriots. The Eagles added a meaningless touchdown with 32 seconds left making the final 38-20.

Brady played one of his better games of the season finishing 24-34 for 361 yards and three touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also ran for 28 yards, and was replaced by backup Brian Hoyer with just under seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Wide receiver Deion Branch caught six passes for 125 yards to lead the receivers.

Coming into the game the Patriots knew they had to contain Mccoy, and they limited him to only 31 yards on 10 carries. The defense played fairly well, especially after the rough start.

The Patriots will host the winless Colts next Sunday in Foxboro in a 1 p.m. kickoff.

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