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Forecast for Eagles vs. Patriots could see the Preseason Week 2 game delayed

By Sara Marshall

Sep 17, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; A New England Patriots helmet on the bench before their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; A New England Patriots helmet on the bench before their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports / Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
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In their preseason opener against the Panthers last week, the Patriots had to deal with unfavorable weather, which ultimately impacted how the game was played. Consistent rain and a chance of thunderstorms potentially altered who Jerod Mayo decided to put on the field, including Drake Maye.

Unfortunately, as the team is set to welcome the Eagles in preseason Week 2 on Thursday night, they won't be able to escape unruly weather. However, this week, it might be worse.

The latest forecast reports that Foxborough will be cloudy with light winds in the evening, with thunderstorms developing later in the day. Depending on when that might be, it could impact the game by delaying it at any point or even forcing the league to cancel the matchup.

Because weather can change at the drop of a hat, it would be beneficial for the skies to clear up and no rain to fall so the Patriots can properly evaluate the state of their roster, which they couldn't do last week.

Many changes have been made to the team in just the past seven days, most notably the departures of JuJu Smith-Schuster and Matthew Judon, so seeing who might step up in their places is a significant part of the game to watch for this week, especially with just over three weeks until their Week 1 game.

The offense has been the focus of the offseason, which applies to the preseason matchups as well, but with Judon moving on to the Falcons, the defense will need to show what they can do as pass rushers without him in the lineup.

That will inevitably become one of the most discussed aspects of the Patriots' effort against the Eagles, even more so after the memorable performances of Jeremiah Pharms Jr. and Oshane Ximines last week. If they can build upon that, even if the weather isn't great this time either, the defense might be in better shape than initially believed after the Judon trade was announced.

Update as of 4:51pm EST:

Reporters have arrived at Gillette Stadium for tonight's game and have been posting about the chaotic weather ahead of the matchup scheduled for 7pm.

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