The Patriots host the Eagles for a preseason game Monday night.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with Rob Gronkowski during an NFL football training camp in Foxborough, Mass., Friday, Aug. 17, 2012.Here are a few things to keep an eye on when the New England Patriots host the Philadelphia Eagles for a preseason game Monday night:
BRADY’S PLAYING TIME: Tom Brady may not see much action against the Eagles. He spent the majority of Friday’s practice working on another field with wide receiver Brandon Lloyd and tight end Rob Gronkowski while the rest of the team went through 11-on-11 drills. But, if he does play, it will be interesting to see how he performs after struggling a little bit over the last few weeks.
WIDE RECEIVER BATTLE: No one has stepped up to take hold of the third receiver spot behind Brandon Lloyd and Wes Welker. Deion Branch was limited through most of camp, and Jabar Gaffney and Donte’ Stallworth have done little to standout. Gaffney may not play after coming up lame in Wednesday’s practice, but someone needs to jump out from the pack.
BOLDEN’S PERFORMANCE: Undrafted rookie Brandon Bolden showed good burst and power throughout training camp, but he’s also had some trouble holding onto the football. Considered to be a favorite for a roster spot early in camp, he’s going to have to step up over the next three games if he hopes to become the latest undrafted player to crack the 53-man roster.
HIGHTOWER’S PROGRESSION: Rookie linebacker Dont’a Hightower did some good and some bad in New England’s first preseason game against the Saints. There were a few times where he was around the ball and caused some disruption, but he was also easily fooled on play-action passes and had trouble when dropping back into coverage. A consistently strong performer in practice, Hightower needs to let his positive attributes show up on game film.
FRANCIS’ ENCORE: Like Bolden, a lot will be riding on the next few games for undrafted defensive lineman Justin Francis. A camp darling and practice star, Francis never once shook his blocker against the Saints. He’ll have plenty of opportunity to shine on the practice squad this season if he doesn’t step it up.
CHANDLER JONES: The rookie defensive end was the unquestioned star of the first preseason game with his ability to rush the passer and draw holding penalties. He’ll need to show it wasn’t a fluke if he wants to hold the inside track toward a starting job.
TREVOR SCOTT: Scott has been up and down throughout camp. If he struggles to perform at an elevated level, and Francis starts performing in games, Scott could find himself on the outside when rosters are cut down to 53 players. Scott played well against the Saints, but this upcoming stretch of games will be extremely important for him.
OFFENSIVE LINE’S PERFORMANCE: Guard Logan Mankins is back, though he likely won’t see much, if any, action against the Eagles. But we know what he brings to the table. It’s everyone else that will be under the microscope after a poor performance against the Saints. The man who really needs to show something is left tackle Nate Solder, who underwhelmed in his first opportunity to step in for the retired Matt Light.
UMASS CONNECTION: Emil Igwenagu is trying to earn a spot on the Eagles roster and will serve on special teams and at fullback. He’s also served at tight end for Philadelphia. Like all undrafted players, these games are their Super Bowl and will determine if they get to realize their dreams.