.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
It's become a common theme this season, but the New England Patriots once again enter a game with injuries looming large. Rob Gronkowski suffered a knee injury against the Denver Broncos in Week 12 and is uncertain to play, leaving Tom Brady with a depleted group of targets.
The Eagles, on the other hand, are expected to get Sam Bradford back this week. But it's the other side of the ball that's doomed them over the past two weeks. They've struggled mightily on defense and can't seem to stop any opposing offenses. In the past two games, they have allowed 90 points.
Here are three keys to the game for both the Eagles and the Patriots.
Can you beat the Crowd's Line? Submit your final score prediction below. Good luck!
1. Stay committed to the run
The Patriots are banged up at linebacker. Dont'a Hightower is questionable after practicing one day on a limited basis, and Jamie Collins is returning to action, but has always been better in pass coverage. The Patriots are susceptible to giving up big plays in the run game. In Week 12, the Broncos ran for 179 yards and three touchdowns on just 32 carries. They finished the game off in overtime with a 48-yard touchdown run. With quarterback Sam Bradford set to make his first start after missing two games with a concussion, an offensive game plan focused on opening up the pass via the run makes the most sense.
2. Make Tom Brady beat you on the outside and over the top
Since the 2007 season, Brady's deep ball has dropped off. Over the past two seasons, he has been able to connect with dominant tight end Rob Gronkowski on deep passes down the seam, but Gronkowski is out for this game. New England's passing game is and has always been based on timing. The Eagles can disrupt that timing by playing press coverage. With so many new faces, the Eagles would be smart to challenge brady to throw to the outside and over the top in single coverage. This will free up the safeties to help with coverage over the middle and take the running game away early.
3. Don't throw at Malcolm Butler
Butler is no longer just a one-play wonder and Super Bowl hero. In 2015, he has emerged as a cover-corner who can be relied on in one-on-one coverage on the outside or in the slot. The Patriots have a lot of trust in Butler, and aside from a big chunk yardage play here or there, he hasn't let them down. The Eagles need to be aware of where Butler is at all times and avoid targeting him in this matchup.
1. Utilize Scott Chandler as a receiver
With Rob Gronkowski likely out for this game, Scott Chandler will step in as the starting tight end. He'll become one of Brady's favorite targets, especially if Danny Amendola sits as well. Chandler is a proven pass catcher and can be lined up outside to take advantage of his size against smaller defensive backs. Although Gronkowski is far superior athletically, Chandler boasts a similar skill set that should allow him to win when targeted.
2. Keep LeGarrette Blount in to block
The Denver Broncos visibly frustrated Tom Brady on Sunday night, mainly because of their relentless pass rush. The Eagles have brought down the quarterback 26 times this season, and with the way the Patriots' offensive line is playing, they could add to that total in a big way. LeGarrette Blount is a big back and can pick up the blitz, helping to give Brady more time in the pocket. He's only carried the ball 25 times in the past two games, so the Patriots could use him as a blocker in the passing game, instead.
3. Attack Byron Maxwell and the Eagles' defensive backs
Byron Maxwell hasn't lived up to his lucrative contract thus far and has struggled to contain opponents' top receivers. Though the Patriots don't have an elite group of wide outs right now, Brady has the ability to pick apart the Eagles' 20th-ranked pass defense. Getting the ball into his playmakers' hands will allow them to make plays and force the defense to miss tackles, as the Eagles have done throughout the year. They've surrendered 12 touchdown passes in the past three games and haven't showed the ability to slow down any offense in the past month.
