The New England Patriots toppled the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday in Week 2 of the preseason, and here are the big takeaways from the action.
It was a big night for the New England Patriots as they opened up Week 2 of the 2018 NFL preseason on Thursday. Some might have called it a revenge game as they took on the Philadelphia Eagles — the obvious victors over the Pats in Super Bowl LII — but that’s a bit rich considering the exhibition contest. Perhaps more importantly though, we saw more of what the Patriots will actually look like this season.
Most starters were on the field for New England on Thursday, including quarterback Tom Brady. His performance in the first half ultimately helped lead the Patriots to a 37-20 victory over the Eagles as they were quite dominant on both sides of the ball for most of the affair.
It wasn’t all great for the Patriots though, as some key injuries revealed themselves and could have a hugely negative effect on the season. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the big takeaways to consider for New England coming off the victory in Week 2 of the preseason.
3. Tom Brady’s not done yet
Tom Brady made his 2018 preseason debut on Thursday night, and it wasn’t just to trot him out there for a series or two to appease the fans and critics. No, the veteran was given the entire first half to take command of the offense and show that, even at 41 years old, he has no signs of slowing up. In six series, he indeed proved that the greatest of all time is still, well, great.
With no shortage of chances to prove himself, Brady finished the contest going 19-of-26 for 172 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions on the night. He absolutely diced up the Eagles defense — no matter which string was on the field — as he’s done for many years, finding open lanes in the intermediate parts of the field and allowing plays to develop after the catch. Sure, not every throw was perfect, but that’s an impossible standard, even for him.
One day, Brady will slow down and we won’t see him do this type of thing anymore. However, predicting when that day will come is as futile an exercise as there is in the entirety of the league. One thing that we can almost definitively say after Thursday night, however, is that time won’t be the 2018 season. It’s just one game of action, but Brady certainly looks ready to make yet another run already.