AP PHOTO/ Michael Mayer

The Patriots had a golden opportunity to steal this game against the Eagles but they failed to capitalize on a couple of opportunities late in the game and that proved to be the difference in their 25-20 loss to the Eagles.

Here are seven points from today’s game. 

1.Missed opportunity: The Patriots could have very easily won this game but turnovers, penalties and a lack of execution in certain situations proved to be the difference. If the Patriots had gotten off to a better start and played cleaner, they would have won this game.

2. Offense painful early: The offense was painful early on. The Patriots first five possessions resulted in three punts, a pick six and a fumble by Ezekiel Elliott. As mentioned, they did turn it around in the second quarter but the offense definitely looked like it was in preseason form early on.

3. Defense bent but didn’t break: The Patriots bent but didn’t break defensively. They did enough to put the Patriots in position to win the game. Unfortunately, the offense did not do their part to get it done. The defense will be a big reason why this team will be in position to win games this season. The offense has to its part on a more consistent basis.

4. Running game nonexistent: The Patriots running game was nonexistent. New England rushed for 76 yards on 22 carries. Going into the season, the running game was supposed to be a strength with Rhamondre Stevenson coming off a career season and the addition of Zeke but that was not the case. Philadelphia’s defensive line was able to take control of the line of scrimmage from the opening whistle.

5. Offensive line survives despite two rookies starting: The offensive line played well enough to position the Patriots to possibly steal this game. Especially when you consider they started two rookies in Atonio Mafi and Sidy Sow. Going in, we felt the Eagles would have a distinct advantage up front and they did, but it wasn’t as bad as we thought it could be.

6. Hunter Henry and Kendrick Bourne are back: Hunter Henry and Kendrick Bourne struggled last season to carve out a role in the Patriots offense. If today was any indication however, both are back and will be integral parts of the Patriots passing game once again.

7. Brady ceremony was fantastic: Kudos to Patriots owner Robert Kraft, his family and the entire organization for bringing Brady back and honoring him the way they did. Kraft announced that he will wave the four year requirement for enshrinement into the Patriots Hall of Fame and the Patriots will enshrine Brady on June 12th, 2024. The enshrinement ceremony will take place at Gillette Stadium. Once has to assume it will be similar to what the Celtics did for Larry Bird. Hopefully there is a statue unveiling that night as well.