Patriots edge Eagles 24-21 in preseason matchup

New England Patriots secured a 24-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in their second preseason game at Gillette Stadium, using primarily backup players. Rookie quarterback Behren Morton threw two touchdown passes in the second half, turning a 14-10 halftime deficit into the winning margin, and also handled three punts after a teammate’s injury.

Wide receiver Kyle Williams caught a 69-yard touchdown from Tommy DeVito, while rookie Efton Chism recorded four receptions for 45 yards. Another rookie, Nick DeGennaro, contributed a 37-yard touchdown catch, prompting speculation that he could earn a practice-squad role.

The Patriots’ running game struggled, with the leading rushers gaining only 16 yards on 10 carries for Jam Miller and 23 yards on eight carries for Lan Larison. The backfield competition remains intense, with Larison showing strong performance on both runs and passes, potentially giving him an edge for the RB3 spot.

Offensive line veteran James Hudson faced difficulties, committing multiple holding penalties, while newcomer Greg Van Roten appeared to be a more viable option for interior line depth.

Linebacker Chad Muma, a recent practice-squad addition, left the game with an injury after a lackluster performance, raising questions about his fit on the roster.

Cornerback Kindle Vildor and safety Karon Prunty are both in contention for backup defensive back positions, with Vildor making several notable plays, including a forced fumble and a pass breakup.

The team’s contract negotiations with cornerback Christian Gonzalez remain unresolved, a situation the coaching staff hopes to settle before the regular season begins.

The Patriots will conclude the preseason with a Thursday night game in Cleveland, followed by a two-week break before opening the regular season in Seattle, giving coaches time to evaluate final roster decisions.