New England Patriots 4 Downs Review: Week 11 @ Philadelphia Eagles

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 17: N’Keal Harry #15 of the New England Patriots gestures during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 17, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2nd Down: Getting healthy

The New England Patriots have been hit hard by the injury bug all season, but that is just the way football is at such a high level because it is so incredibly physical. Through 11 weeks now, the Patriots have been playing without a full complement of pieces on offense and defense.

On Sunday they took another step towards finally putting a healthy team on the field. Their first-round draft pick from last April, wide receiver N’Keal Harry, made his NFL debut and had three catches for 18 yards. He was an important presence for the offense both as a blocker and as a big, strong receiving threat on the outside; the Patriots will undoubtedly need him down the stretch.

On the inactive list for the game against the Eagles, there were only three names that have been significant factors for the New England Patriots in regular season action this year: Patrick Chung, Ryan Izzo, and Gunner Olszewski. But for the most part, the offense and defense that took the field in Philadelphia has been playing all season long.

As the playoffs get closer, health will need to be a strength for this team.

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