FOXBORO, Mass. – After an ugly first quarter, the Eagles rallied from behind to tie the score 21-21 after two quarters of action against the New England Patriots. The early action was marked by a standout play by Cary Williams and otherwise machine-like offensive efficiency by the Patriots.
The home team extended their lead to 21-7 on the first possession of the second quarter when rookie Jimmy Garoppolo led his second successive touchdown drive, this one capped by a four-yard touchdown pass to Brandon LaFell, who outmuscled a struggling Curtis Marsh.
The Eagles responded though, on their next offensive possession by moving the ball into Patriots' territory, only for Alex Henery to push a 47-yard field goal wide right. After the defense then forced a three-and-out, it was time for the Eagles special teams unit to make their impression, as Arrelious Benn shot through the line of scrimmage to block a punt, setting the Eagles up on the 31-yard-line. Nick Foles and co. cashed in four plays later when Foles found Zach Ertz in the end zone for a 6-yard toss.
The second-team offense then pulled the Eagles even as Mark Sanchez led a hurry-up offense 61 yards down the field into the end zone on only five plays, including a 20-yard leaping catch by Ertz. The touchdown, though, was a thing to behold, as Sanchez rolled right, threw to Ifeany Momah, who looked to make the catch in the end zone, only for the ball to pop loose from his grasp when he hit the ground. But Benn was johnny-on-the-spot, waiting in the corner of the end zone to haul in the floating ball for his second big play of the night.
LEADERS
Passing
Nick Foles – 8-of-10 for 81 yards, one touchdown and a 133.8 quarterback rating
Mark Sanchez – 5-of-5 for 61 yards, one touchdown and a 157.1 quarterback rating
Jimmy Garoppolo – 6-of-12 for 72 yards, two touchdowns and a 108.3 quarterback rating
Tom Brady – 8-of-10 for 81 yards, one touchdown, one interception and a 94.2 quarterback rating
Rushing
LeSean McCoy – Six carries for 19 yards
Stevan Ridley – Nine carries for 45 yards , one fumble
Receiving
Jordan Matthews – Three catches for 32 yards
Brent Celek – Two catches for 45 yards
Zach Ertz – Two catches for 26 yards and one touchdown
