New England Patriots: Five Takeaways From Win Over Philadelphia Eagles

Aug 15, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback

(12) hands off the ball to running back

(22) as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

1. First Team Offense Looks Good

After watching the second stringers struggle mightily last week in Virginia, it was pretty awesome to watch Tom Brady and the first team dominate the way we have grown accustomed to.

Brady was sharp, the offensive line held up pretty well, his little ‘pygmie’ receivers were open nearly all the time, and the end result was two solid drives. They only scored one touchdown, but it really should have been two. Steve Maneri was signed by the Pats a few days ago, and because of injuries to other tight ends, he was forced into action. Maneri didn’t pick up on something Brady wanted, so while Maneri was looking to block, Brady uncorked a pass in his direction, which ultimately went for six the other way.

The Patriots offense is predicated on quick, efficient route running over the middle, and of course, the play-action pass. Everything was clicking for them yesterday, as Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola scorched the Eagles’ secondary, and Stevan Ridley reminded us of how powerful he can be in leading the Pats’ running attack. In addition to this, Kenbrell Thompkins made a few nice catches, including a majestic back-shoulder touchdown grab roughly halfway through the first quarter. If Thompkins can continue to make plays like that, he will have a productive 2014 campaign.