The New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 in a preseason thriller on August 22, with backup QB Tommy DeVito leading a late comeback.
The New England Patriots held off the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 on Saturday, August 22, in a preseason matchup that showcased backup quarterbacks and raised new questions about roster depth for both teams. The Patriots improved to 1-0-1, while the Eagles dropped to 0-2, as New England rallied from an early deficit behind a productive night from signal-caller Tommy DeVito and a 69-yard touchdown strike to Kyle Williams.
Patriots’ Comeback Fueled by DeVito’s Dual Threat
Tommy DeVito, competing for the backup job behind Drake Maye, completed 8 of 15 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown, adding 44 rushing yards on just three carries. His mobility and arm strength were on full display, particularly on the 69-yard scoring pass to Kyle Williams that pulled New England back into the game. Williams finished with two catches for 74 yards and that touchdown, providing the big-play spark the Patriots needed.
Defensively, linebacker John Saunders Jr. led the team with eight total tackles, while defensive end Amari Gainer contributed a sack. The Patriots’ defense bent at times but made key stops late to preserve the win. Head coach Mike Vrabel has been vocal about the team’s lack of depth, and Saturday’s performance did little to ease those concerns, but the resilience shown by the backups was a positive takeaway.
Eagles’ McKee Shines in Losing Effort
For Philadelphia, quarterback Tanner McKee made a strong case for the backup role behind Jalen Hurts, completing 16 of 22 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. His favorite target was Carson Steele, who hauled in six receptions for 84 yards and a score. Running back Will Shipley also impressed, rushing 11 times for 56 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Ty Robinson was a disruptive force with two sacks, and Shaun Wade paced the team with 10 total tackles. The Eagles’ offense moved the ball efficiently, but the defense surrendered three Patriots touchdowns, including the 69-yard bomb and a late 37-yard scoring pass from Behren Morton to Nick DeGennaro that proved to be the game-winner.
Turning Point: Late Touchdown Seals It
The game’s decisive moment came in the fourth quarter when Patriots backup quarterback Behren Morton connected with Nick DeGennaro for a 37-yard touchdown, giving New England a 24-21 lead they would not relinquish. That score came after Lan Larison’s 2-yard rushing touchdown had tied the game at 21, capping a Patriots rally from an early 10-point deficit. The Eagles had a chance to respond but were unable to mount a final scoring drive.
Injury Concerns Mount for Both Teams
The game was marred by a scary moment when Eagles running back Ja’Quinden Jackson was taken to the hospital by ambulance after a tackle on the opening kickoff. He reportedly had movement and is listed as questionable. The Eagles also have Johnny Wilson and Tariq Castro-Fields on injured reserve, with Makai Lemon, Jakorian Bennett, and Marcus Bryant all questionable. For the Patriots, five players are questionable, including Lan Larison, Bryce Baringer, Marcus Bryant, Christian Gonzalez, and Ja’Quinden Jackson, while Myles Montgomery is on injured reserve.
What It Means
For the Eagles, the 0-2 preseason start is concerning, but the strong play of McKee and Shipley offers hope. They host the Cincinnati Bengals on August 29 in their preseason finale, where starters are expected to see more action. For the Patriots, the victory provides momentum heading into their finale against the Cleveland Browns on August 28. The backup quarterback battle between DeVito and Morton is heating up, and Vrabel’s depth concerns remain a key storyline as roster cuts approach.
- Tommy DeVito: 8/15, 151 yards, 1 TD, 44 rushing yards
- Kyle Williams: 2 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD (69-yard reception)
- Tanner McKee: 16/22, 173 yards, 2 TDs
- Will Shipley: 11 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD
- Ty Robinson: 2 sacks; Shaun Wade: 10 tackles
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