Eagles Vs. Patriots: Philly Wins The Game, Loses Michael Vick

Patriots Play Ugly Game Without Starters

Monday night's preseason contest between the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots showcased two different exhibition strategies. In the Eagles' 27-17 victory at Gillette Stadium, Philly decided to play its starters -- not including injured quarterback Michael Vick -- well into the third quarter, while New England played its safe by not playing anybody.

The Pats' strategy led to a ugly performance from the defending AFC champions, says SB Nation blog Pats Pulpit.

Overall, it was a really ugly game, with 23 combined penalties and three turnovers between the teams. Mallett had an improved performance, but still has a way to go. Tonight was a reminder that it's still the preseason, and both teams have a lot of work ahead of them.

Despite not playing star quarterback Tom Brady, the Patriots jumped out to an early 11-0 lead behind backup Ryan Mallett. But a muffed punt by Brandon Bolden turned the game's momentum in favor of the Eagles, who rolled from there.

For more on the Eagles and Patriots, please visit our respective blogs Bleeding Green Nation and Pats Pulpit, along with SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

Andy Reid On Cullen Jenkins' Yelling Match: 'Those Things Happen'

Both sides of a coach-player sideline dispute played off the brief, heated interaction as a part of professional football life after Philadelphia's 27-17 preseason victory.

Andy Reid and defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins went face-to-face for a few seconds in the second quarter as the Eagles struggled early on with a Patriots team resting its fair share of starters. Although yelling and screaming isn't Reid's typical mode of communication, he and Jenkins both chalked the dispute up to brief disappointment rather than a longterm chemistry problem, and already appeared to have moved on when talking to press after the game.

"It's football," Jenkins said. "Football causes that. If you're out there playing, you've got to be emotional. It was nothing. Nothing was addressed. It's an emotional game, and sometimes you need that spark and especially now in the preseason.

"Listen, it's an emotional game," Reid said. "He was fired up. I was fired up. Those things happen. Cullen is my primary leader on that defensive line. I count on him for a lot of things. He was upset, and I was upset. We talked about it afterward, and we're OK."

Whatever the justification, Reid's ploy might have worked: his defense only allowed a pair of field goals afterwards, coming back from an 11-0 deficit to win. Reid called Jenkins "the primary leader" of his defensive unit -- perhaps his leader just needed a little firing up to get the rest of his team going.

For more on the Eagles, check out Bleeding Green Nation and SBN Philly.

Nick Foles Turns In Another Impressive Eagles Preseason Performance

The talk-of-the-town after Monday night's 27-17 victory by the Philadelphia Eagles over the New England Patriots was the injury to quarterback Michael Vick, but lost in shuffle of the drama was the solid play of backup Nick Foles, who led his team to its second straight win.

Taking over after Vick suffered a vicious rib-shot from Patriots' linebacker Jermaine Cunningham in the middle of the first quarter, Foles completed 18 of 28 passes for 217 yards and pair of touchdowns. In 2 1/2 quarters of work, the 23-year-old Arizona Wildcat product tossed just one interception, helping the Eagles put together a few scoring drives.

"What really was impressive about Foles is how he bounced back from that pick," wrote the SB Nation blog Bleeding Green Nation Monday. "That's what NFL guys will tell you about QBs. Anyone can get off to a nice start, but you don't know what you have until a guy faces adversity."

Also impressive to the Eagles' blog was Foles' ability to lead his team to a third-quarter touchdown coming out of halftime.

"On Foles' first possession in the third quarter, he marched the Eagles straight down the field for a TD, going 5-6 for 87 yards and a TD on the drive. The highlights were a 40-yard deep ball to DeSean Jackson and a perfectly placed throw on a cross route to Clay Harbor for a TD."

NFL fans know about Vick's injury prone history, but if Foles' preseason performance showed anything, it's the Eagles may have a solid backup in case anything happens to No. 7.

For more on the Eagles and Patriots, please visit our respective blogs Bleeding Green Nation and Pats Pulpit, along with SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

Michael Vick Injury: Eagles QB Scheduled For MRI, CT Scan On Injured Ribs

Michael Vick of the Philadelphia Eagles got injured in yesterday's contest against the New England Patriots after getting knocked to the deck against by Jermaine Cunningham. Now he'll have to undergo tests to ensure he'll be healthy enough to go for the rest of the preseason, including an MRI and a CT scan today to determine cartilage damage.

Regardless of whether he's healthy or not, Eagles head coach Andy Reid would be fairly satisifed if this was Vick's final preseason action. Reuben Frank of CSN Philly files this report on the injury with accompanying quotes from Reid.

"If he didn't play again, I think he's OK," Reid said. "I would tell you I would like to see him play a little bit more, but he's got enough experience. We're not talking about a rookie, so I think he'd be OK."

Bleeding Green Nation pointed to the poor blocking by the Eagles as the main reason Vick ended up getting hurt.

The reason the play happened was the awful blocking. It's not 100% Vick's fault every time he gets hit. Yes, he has to protect himself, but his line has to protect him as well. That said, I certainly understand the frustration that comes from seeing him leave the field injured for the second straight game.

Philadelphia offensive lineman Evan Mathis had the biggest problem in the protection assignment, but seemed upbeat about his quarterback's injury. Even though he was responsible for the breakdown in protection, Mathis seems to believe that Vick will be ready to play soon.

"Completely my fault," Mathis said. "It’s something that can’t happen. Something we’ve got to work out. Fortunately, Michael is not too seriously injured, but it’s very concerning. It’s our job to keep him safe. To keep him off the turf. When the quarterback takes a hit and is laying on the ground, you feel it."

Vick's health has always been a trouble spot during his career and hampered his production. These consecutive injuries will do nothing to help.


Talk about Vick and Reid with Eagles fans by heading on over to Bleeding Green Nation.

Eagles Vs. Patriots Final Score: Philadelphia Defeats New England 27-17, Vick Leaves With Injury

The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 27-17 Monday night, led by an impressive performance from backup quarterback Nick Foles.

Philadelphia Eagles third-string quarterback Trent Edwards led his offense down the field and kicker Alex Henery made a 21-yard field goal for the only points of the fourth quarter, capping off the ten-point victory. The Eagles were led by Foles, who finished with 18 completions on 28 attempts for 217 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Both touchdown passes went to tight end Clay Harbor.

For the Patriots, quarterback Ryan Mallett led the way with 10 completions for 105 yards and one touchdown.

The story of the game, however, is the injury to Eagles starting quarterback Michael Vick. On a deep pass to wide receiver DeSean Jackson, Vick was hit hard in the midsection by Patriots defensive end Jermaine Cunningham as he released the ball. Vick walked off the field under his own power and did not return. X-rays on his ribs were negative.

Both teams play their next preseason game on August 24. The Eagles visit Cleveland to play the Browns, and the New England Patriots face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

For more on the Eagles and Patriots, please visit our respective blogs Bleeding Green Nation andPats Pulpit, along with SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

DeSean Jackson Thought 'No, Not Again' When Michael Vick Went Down

When DeSean Jackson saw Michael Vick go down in Monday's game against the Patriots, he thought, "No, not again." Vick's had an injury prone reputation in the past and suffering an injury in consecutive preseason games won't help that.

Last week it was the thumb injury. This week it's an apparent rib injury but x-rays were negative.

"Last year we dealt with a lot of him getting injured and things like that," Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson said in a sideline interview with ESPN's Lisa Salters. "He's such a huge part of our offense. Going back in there at halftime and checking him out, things were pretty cool. He was sore and bruised up a little bit. He was just like, 'Man, I can't keep taking hits like that.' Hopefully we can protect him better."

The Eagles are hoping he can do the same but Vick isn't someone who is going to go down easily which will occasionally lead to situations where he's more at risk for injury.

"He was back there joking around but at the same time sore, bruised up and hurt a little bit," Jackson said in the third quarter on Monday night. "But it's the second preseason game. We have a lot of time before the first game. Hopefully he can get off his feet, chill, relax and not take anymore hits like that."

Updates on Vick's status will continue to come in this week but Andy Reid says Vick is "sore but OK".

For more on the Eagles and Patriots, please visit our respective blogs Bleeding Green Nation and Pats Pulpit, along with SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

Eagles Vs. Patriots Score Update: Philadelphia Leads 24-17 After 3 Quarters

The Philadelphia Eagles lead the New England Patriots 24-17 after three quarters in Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

Quarterback Nick Foles and the Philadelphia Eagles' offense came out firing on all cylinders as they drove 80 yards in just under four minutes, capped off by a Foles touchdown pass to tight end Clay Harbor to put the Eagles on top 21-14.

After a Patriot three and out, the Eagles then pushed into New England territory once again. However, this possession ended in a missed 55-yard field goal by Alex Henery.

Ryan Mallett and the Patriots only needed to go 18 yards in six plays after the missed field goal to settle for a 55-yard field goal for Stephen Gostkowski, his third of the night.

With the lead now 21-17, the Eagles again drove behind Foles, gaining 56 yards in seven plays. Again, they were forced to kick a field goal, but this time successfully -- a 42-yarder off the foot of Alex Henery.

Brian Hoyer entered the game under center for the Patriots just before half, replacing Ryan Mallett.

For more on the Eagles and Patriots, please visit our respective blogs Bleeding Green Nation and Pats Pulpit, along with SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

Replacement Referee Terrified By Strange Ball-Like Object

Michael Vick Injury: Eagles QB 'Sore But OK'

Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid told ESPN's Lisa Salters that starting quarterback Michael Vick is "sore but OK." Vick left Monday night's preseason game against the Patriots in the first quarter after taking a blow to the ribs. He visited the locker room for X-rays, which came back negative.

On just his third pass attempt, Vick dropped back off of play action and was driven into the turf by New England's Jermaine Cunningham. The facemask and helmet went right into his ribs at contact. Vick was immediately in pain, and after an initial attempt to stay in the game, he was promptly replaced by Nick Foles.

According to Reid, the injury does not appear to be a major cause for concern and there's plenty of reason to be cautious during the preseason. But rib injuries are something that can linger, and given Vick's recent proneness to injury, it's certainly disconcerting to have him banged up after such limited exposure in the preseason.

For more on the Eagles and Patriots, please visit our respective blogs Bleeding Green Nation and Pats Pulpit, along with SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

Eagles Vs. Patriots Halftime Score: Tied At 14 After Two Costly Patriot Turnovers

The Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots are tied at 14-14 heading into halftime at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

The Patriots led 3-0 entering the quarter, but quickly extended their lead to 11-0 after a Alex Silvestro touchdown reception from Ryan Mallett followed with a Shane Vereen rushing two-point conversion. With the help of some costly Patriot turnovers, the Eagles began to claw their way back into the game soon after. Patriot punt returner Brandon Bolden muffed a punt with about 11 minutes remaining in the half. The Philadelphia Eagles recovered the fumble, and LeSean McCoy punched it in three plays later to cut the Patriot lead to 11-7.

Less than a minute later, Phillip Hunt stripped Patriot quarterback Brian Hoyer of the football, which was recovered by defensive end Darryl Tapp, setting Philadelphia up inside the red zone. Eagles quarterback Nick Foles followed up the turnover with two complete passes, finally finding tight end Clay Harbor in the back of the endzone to give the Eagles a 14-11 lead.

The Patriots promptly drove 63 yards on 14 plays before settling for a 35 yard field goal off the foot of Stephen Gostkowski to tie the game 14-14. The Eagles looked to score just before half, but a last-second interception thrown by Foles ended that opportunity.

For more on the New England Patriots, head over to Pats Pulpit, and for more on the Philadelphia Eagles, check out Bleeding Green Nation. Be sure to visit SBNation's dedicated NFL hub for more news and analysis.

Patrick Chung Injured, Leaves Eagles-Patriots Game Early

New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung injured his shoulder during Monday night's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles and is out of the game.

Patriots safety Patrick Chung has a shoulder injury, and his return is questionable.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 21, 2012

Eagles running back LeSean McCoy took a direct snap around right end before being met near the line of scrimmage by Chung, a 5'11", 207-pound safety. Chung, the Patriots' 2009 second-rounder out of the University of Oregon, appeared to land awkwardly on his shoulder and was slow to get up as he held his right arm.

Chung made his way to the bench with assistance before leaving for the Patriots' locker room, accompanied by trainers.

It came just two plays after Eagles quarterback Michael Vick left the contest with an apparent injury, though it appears Vick will not miss any additional time.

For more on the New England Patriots, head over to Pats Pulpit, and for more on the Philadelphia Eagles, check out Bleeding Green Nation. Be sure to visit SBNation's dedicated NFL hub for more news and analysis.

Aly Raisman Is In The House

Aly Raisman is a native of Massachusetts and an Olympic hero. She's also making random appearances at NFL preseason games!

Or perhaps not so random. After she helped the United States win the women's team gymnastics gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, she became an instant star. The night after the big win, the NBC announcers mentioned that one of the notable people who contacted Raisman to wish her congratulations was New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker. Now Raisman is suddenly at a Patriots game, wearing a Pats jersey.

Hmmmm.

HMMMMMMMM.

I'm not saying anything; I'm just saying ... maybe the paparazzi should be hanging out by the area Sizzler and Applebee's locations in case these two crazy kids go out for a first date after the game. Because Wes Welker would probably take Aly Raisman to Sizzler.

Hang on, this is missing something.

Theeeeere we go.

UPDATE: It has come to my attention that Welker got married two months ago. My point stands.

For more on the Eagles and Patriots, please visit our respective blogs Bleeding Green Nation and Pats Pulpit, along with SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

Marcus Cannon's Blocking Could Use Some Work

Patriots offensive tackle Marcus Cannon is perhaps best known for overcoming a non-Hodgkin Lymphoma diagnosis last year and making his way onto an NFL roster.

His blocking could use some work though. Eagles defender Philip Hunt doesn't appear to even notice he's there.

Also guilty here: Nate Solder.

The Eagles have already lost one quarterback. The Patriots don't want to do the same.

For more on the Eagles and Patriots, please visit our respective blogs Bleeding Green Nation and Pats Pulpit, along with SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

Michael Vick Injury: X-Rays Negative On Eagles QB

X-rays on Michael Vick's ribs came back negative, but the Eagles' starting quarterback will not return to Monday night's preseason game in Foxborough. The second preseason game was supposed to serve as a "dress rehearsal" for Andy Reid's club, but Vick's night ended after just three pass attempts.

In the middle of the first quarter, Vick took a blow to the stomach from a fast-approaching Jermaine Cunningham. He immediately grabbed his midsection in pain, but tried to get back in the huddle. Andy Reid called a timeout after he went down to a knee, and Vick was replaced by Nick Foles.

Vick stood on the sideline for a play or two before heading to the locker room for X-rays. Even with the report that those X-rays are negative, Vick's preseason could well be over after just seven pass attempts in two games.

For more on the Eagles and Patriots, please visit our respective blogs Bleeding Green Nation and Pats Pulpit, along with SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

Andy Reid, Cullen Jenkins Locked In Eternal Mustache Vs. Goatee Battle

In the second quarter of Monday's preseason game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots, things got a little heated on the sidelines. Eagles head coach Andy Reid was a bit incensed that his team just got scored on and he took to airing out his players. Cullen Jenkins took exception to the scolding and fired right back.

The result? Two big dogs fightin' over a pork chop.

They were both a few seconds away from rearing back and slamming into one another with their mighty chests, like the majestic elephant seal, but luckily future-Heisenberg was there to defuse the situation.

Still though, no matter how big and bad of an athlete you are, tell me you wouldn't be terrified by this big ol' walrus mad-dogging you.

JESUS.

For more on the Eagles and Patriots, please visit our respective blogs Bleeding Green Nation and Pats Pulpit, along with SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

Eagles Vs. Patriots Score Update: Patriots Lead Eagles 3-0 After One Quarter; Vick Injured

After one quarter, the New England Patriots lead the Philadelphia Eagles 3-0 on a 51 yard field goal by Stephen Gostkowski.

Quarterback Ryan Mallet has six completions for 60 yards to lead the Patriots. Running back Shane Vereen has nine carries for 19 yards. For the Eagles, quarterback Nick Foles has two completions for 23 yards, and running back LeSean McCoy has three carries for 10 yards.

The story of the first quarter, however, is the injury to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick. Vick was slow to get up after taking a hit to the midsection by Patriot defensive end Jermaine Cunningham. He walked off the field under his own power, but then exited to the locker room to undergo x-rays on his ribs. Backup quarterback Nick Foles took over for Vick. Vick's injury history is well documented, so the Eagle faithful collectively hold their breath as they await the results of his rib x-rays.

For more on the Eagles and Patriots, please visit our respective blogs Bleeding Green Nation and Pats Pulpit, along with SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

Michael Vick Injury: Eagles QB Goes Down, Heads To Locker Room For X-Rays

Michael Vick was injured in the middle of the first quarter during the Eagles Monday Night Football game against the Patriots. As he dropped back to go deep off of playaction, Vick took a big shot to the midsection from Patriots rusher Jermaine Cunningham. The ball fluttered deep down the field as Vick was planted on the Gillette Stadium turf. It first appeared to be an injury to the ribs. An animated gif of the hit that injured him:

The Eagles quarterback was slow to get up at first, hobbling back to the huddle and grabbing his stomach. But a moment later, he went down to one knee and Andy Reid was forced to call a timeout. Nick Foles came in to replace him as he went to the locker room for further examination and x-rays.

For more on the Eagles and Patriots, please visit our respective blogs Bleeding Green Nation and Pats Pulpit, along with SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

Michael Vick Should Learn To Slide Feet First

Every time Michael Vick takes off running I hold my breath not only because he does some pretty crazy stuff but because he always seems so close to getting lit up by a defender.

Even when he slides he doesn't seem to be protecting himself.

He was diving for the first down marker there, I know. And he wasn't hurt. But when you weigh that against a concussion or another injury from diving head first -- especially in the preseason -- it's not worth it.

For more on the Eagles and Patriots, please visit our respective blogs Bleeding Green Nation and Pats Pulpit, along with SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

Eagles Vs. Patriots: Rob Gronkowski Dressed, Warming Up

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was reportedly not going to dress out against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. However, once the teams appeared on the field at Gillette Stadium for warmups, Gronkowski was in uniform and warming up.

The Patriots will not have a large chunk of their team available on Monday, as their schedule includes three games in the next ten days, with a roster cutdown day before the third game. Tom Brady and Wes Welker are among the notable starters who will not play against the Eagles.

Here is the full list of Patriots' inactives:

Jabar Gaffney
Tom Brady
Tavon Wilson
Kyle Arrington
Devin McCourty
Alfonzo Dennard
Jeff Demps
James Ihedigbo
Spencer Larsen
Rob Ninkovich
Jerod Mayo
Tracy White
Markus Zusevics
Matt Kopa
Logan Mankins
Vince Wilfork
Sebastian Vollmer
Aaron Hernandez
Visanthe Shiancoe
Wes Welker
Brandon Lloyd
Daniel Fells
Jake Ballard
Myron Pryor
Gerard Warren
Jonathan Fanene

For more on the Eagles and Patriots, please visit our respective blogs Bleeding Green Nation and Pats Pulpit, along with SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

Eagles Vs. Patriots Inactives: Jason Babin, Brandon Lloyd To Miss Game

The Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots will each have several inactive players for Monday night's preseason game at Gillette Stadium.

Earlier on Monday, word got out that the Patriots would sit a host of starters, including quarterback Tom Brady and Brandon Lloyd. One reason for resting so many starters could be because the Patriots' preseason schedule involves playing three games in 10 days, including Friday night's game in Tampa Bay. The Eagles had a few injuries which were already known and those players were also ruled out before the game.

Here are the Eagles' inactives due to injury:

Jason Babin, DE (calf)
Riley Cooper, WR (collarbone)
Mike Kafka, QB (hand)
Casey Matthews, LB (ankle)

Here are the Patriots' inactives:

Tom Brady, QB
Aaron Hernandez, TE
Brandon Lloyd, WR
Logan Mankins, G
Jerod Mayo, LB
Wes Welker, WR

For more on the Eagles and Patriots, please visit our respective blogs Bleeding Green Nation and Pats Pulpit, along with SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

Eagles Vs. Patriots: Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski Among New England Inactives

Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski are among the New England Patriots who won't play in Monday night's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

According to NFL.com's Albert Breer, Brady, Gronkowski, Brandon Lloyd, Aaron Hernandez, Wes Welker and Jerod Mayo will be held out of Monday night's contest against the Eagles.

Belichick, the master of injury secrecy, probably won't speak much of anything about the reasons for New England's first team offense getting the night off. The Patriots, however, are scheduled to play again on Friday night in Tampa Bay, before concluding the preseason on Wednesday, Aug. 29.

Including Monday night's contest against Philadelphia, that's three games in 10 days, and Belichick likely simply doesn't want to risk injury to any of his star players.

Get used to a healthy dosage of Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett.

For the latest on the New England Patriots, be sure to check out Pats Pulpit and join the discussion.

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