Pre-Game Primer: It is a rematch of Super Bowl 52 as the Philadelphia Eagles come into Gillette Stadium to battle the Patriots in pre-season game number two.

The Patriots played several starters on both sides of the ball last week but they did not start Tom Brady who was out reportedly because of a sore back. Brady is expected to play tonight. Many of the starters should once again see action tonight.

Expect a buzz in the air (no pun intended) with the Eagles in town. It might be a pre-season game but there will be no shortage of hatred for Philly tonight in Foxboro.

Here are things to watch in tonight’s game.

1. How Long Will Brady Play? According to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, Brady is expected to play a half tonight barring a last second change. I find that hard to believe but with Bill Belichick, you never know. The defensive starters played longer than anyone expected last week.

2. Who’s Out? Doug Kyed of NESN tweeted this a few minutes ago.

I am not surprised that none of these players are going to play tonight. I suspect we will see Gronkowski and Allen next week. Same with Flowers. Jones and Jones are probably nicked up and are sitting out tonight for precautionary reasons. The good thing with that is it gives Bill Belichick and the defensive staff a longer look at some of the other defensive backs.

3. Running Back Rotation Watch: Jeremy Hill was very impressive last week as was rookie Ralph Webb. We will not see Sony Michel tonight and I highly doubt we’ll see Rex Burkhead however I do expect James White to play. Mike Gillislee will also get eight to ten carries. Running backs coach Ivan Fears will rotate all four backs in a continuing effort to see who can fit in behind Burkhead and Michel on the depth chart.

4. Starting Defense Must Play Better: The starting defense needs to play better. PERIOD! They played terrible in the first quarter last week against Colt McCoy and a lot of the Redskins two’s. It was unacceptable. They cannot play like that week. They must be better.

5. Get Off to A Better Start: The Patriots we’re sluggish out of the gate last week. I get it. It was the first pre-season game. They need to be better tonight and they should, especially if Brady plays. At the very least, the offense will be better.

Final Thoughts: The Patriots cannot lose sight of the fact that this is a pre-season game. It will be more than that to the fans but it shouldn’t be to them.

Tonight is all about getting reps, executing and making the most of them. Pre-season games are about development and getting better. Not revenge for losing the Super Bowl. That is what Bill Belichick will preach tonight.