Patriots vs. Eagles: 10 telling facts about the Eagles
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4. 3rd down struggles
On both sides of the ball, the Eagles are struggling on the most crucial down. They are succeeding on just 34.4 percent of third down tries on offense, the 27th-worst rate in the league. They are barely better on defense, ranking 25th allowing 42.6 percent of opponents’ third down attempts.
Meanwhile, the Patriots’ offense ranks a stalwart sixth in this category, getting past the sticks on 43.7 of third downs. In short, the Patriots have a clear advantage against the Eagles on third downs, and that should help them cruise to victory in Week 13.
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3. Past two losses have been by a combined 59 points
There’s a reason Chip Kelly is trying to reassure players he won’t leave after the 2015 season. Kelly’s future has been called into question as of late because the Eagles have been thoroughly trounced in each of their past two games, allowing 45 points each to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions.
The Eagles managed to produce just 17 points against Tampa and 14 points on Thanksgiving, which means they have lost by a whopping 59 points in the past two games. Expect the Patriots to only add to this total by undressing the Eagles in a fit of rage after the disappointing loss to Denver last week.
Next: A few things the Eagles are good at