1st half analysis

Analysis from the first half, with the Patriots leading 24-21:

The Eagles are playing all out, pulling out all the stops, and the go-for-it approach has kept them in the game. An onside kick in the second quarter, in particular, was gutsy and well executed. The Patriots coverage team should also be held accountable for failing to account for the possibility and leaving downfield early. From a pure football perspective, it shows the respect the Eagles have for the Patriots.

Offensively, the Patriots stayed with their controlled no-huddle – with four receivers and one running back – for their three drives. That has kept the Eagles from substituting. The Eagles are mixing their pressure, creating an interesting chess match at the line of scrimmage – the Patriots are essentially in six-man protections and sometime have been outnumbered. While the Patriots have moved the ball, credit the Eagles for stiffening in the red zone and forcing New England to kick a field goal on the second drive, which has contributed to the close score.

Defensively, the Patriots are having some trouble, specifically in the secondary. The Eagles are testing the team’s defensive backs, taking their shots down the field, and while the players have had some good coverage, they aren’t making plays on the ball. Asante Samuel had the unit’s highlight play of the half, a 40-yard interception return for a score. Other times, the Patriots have left the secondary in tough spots because the rush hasn’t gotten there in time, and the Eagles have won the one-on-one matchups.

All in all, the Eagles are playing a ball-control, complementary type game. To beat the Patriots, that’s essential. Credit them for not being intimidated and for recovering after falling behind early on the road.

At the same time, they'll need to find a way to slow down the explosive Patriots offense (3 drives, 17 points) if they are to have a chance in the second half.

Should be an exciting second half. The Patriots get the ball to open the final 30 minutes.