Austin, 31, was signed during the summer to provide the Eagles’ wide receiver corps some depth and veteran presence. The offensive line gave up four sacks and allowed quarterback Tom Brady to get hit at least a dozen other times. Like some of the passes forced by Brady, who completed 37 balls, it was the product of pressure, as Brady tried to place the throw between Jenkins and safety Walt Thurmond. It was one of two interceptions that Tom Brady would throw.
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Despite the back-to-back setbacks, New England’s schedule is very favorable down the stretch.
“I would say the biggest thing that they are doing recently and what they have done the last five weeks or so, is really just settling the game down”, defensive coordinator Matt Patricia said of the Texans.
Two plays later, Malcolm Jenkins intercepted Brady and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown to give the Eagles a 21-14 lead. Since then, the Patriots lost Danny Amendola for a game-and-a-half, Rob Gronkowski for a game and counting. Quarterback Cam Newton threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jerricho Cotchery with 1:05 left to lift the unbeaten Panthers to a 41-38 comeback victory over the Saints on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. One can argue that the Broncos’ game was more of a slip up loss, but what about the Philadelphia Eagles? Murray was on the field for just 14 snaps against the Patriots, carrying eight times for 24 yards. They’ve lost both games. Anytime you have a blocked punt and punt return for touchdowns you’re facing an uphill battle. New England would clinch a playoff berth if it wins and the Steelers or Chiefs lose.
Did the Patriots cover?
Patriots coach Bill Belichick was multiple questions about the decision afterwards, but he didn’t want to get into it. The first one came in the second quarter, when New England attempted an onside kick after taking a 14-0 lead. The Eagles easily recovered the unusual kick attempt and took advantage of the field position to drive to their first touchdown of the day. Defenses are able to dictate coverages and New England seems to be searching for answers. But life comes at you fast, and if it’s entirely normal that New England would struggle with some crucial injuries, it was weird to see the Patriots’ coaching decisions do them in. He retired after the Patriots won the Super Bowl last February, and has been replaced by Joe Judge, who assisted O’Brien the past three seasons. He also returned kicks and punts. Everyone who may have thought the Patriots were unbeatable this season is definitely singing a different tune after two tough losses.
Somehow, some way, the Philadelphia Eagles, lucky enough to be in the NFL East, are still alive in their hunt for the postseason. With their previous successes in the playoffs, even coming in as underdogs will fare them well.
The Patriots are now faced with the challenge of playing three of their last four games of the regular season on the road.
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The Houston Texans host the New England Patriots in one of the most anticipated games on Sunday, December 13 start time at 8:30 PM ET, at NRG Stadium, Houston TX.
