After defeating the Carolina Panthers in their first preseason matchup, the New England Patriots hosted the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium on Thursday which resulted in a 14-13 loss.
Neither team really set the world on fire, but Philadelphia, despite sitting a lot of their starters, looked like the more talented and efficient group throughout the night.
As we reflect on what we saw in this preseason battle, here are a few things that we can take away.
New England can't afford to lose David Andrews
There were a lot of questions about Andrews' future this offseason, but luckily the veteran re-signed a two-year extension that ties him with the team through 2025.
The 32-year-old played 15 offensive snaps, giving Nick Leverett and Liam Fornadel opportunities to see game reps at the position. There were multiple mistakes during the quarterback-center exchanges, and New England's comeback effort ended on a shotgun snap through Bailey Zappe's legs that was recovered by the Eagles.
With backup center Jake Andrews on season-ending injured reserve, the Patriots need to find someone else who has a history of snapping and can do it consistently.
The plan for the offensive tackles isn't working
Vederian Lowe and Chukwuma Okorafor got the start at left and right tackle respectively as they have been in training camp. However, it didn't look good.
The quarterbacks were getting pressured from their edges consistently, and Lowe was called for the team's lone penalty of the night (a false start).
When the backups came in, the issues just got worse. It's inexcusable that the Patriots went into the offseason with tackle as a top need and a ton of money and are set to enter the season with these tackles.
Cornerback depth struggled
Honestly, all of the cornerbacks were giving up completions left and right in this one, allowing a trio of Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee and Will Grier to 78.4% of their passes for 210 yards.
As the game went on, it seemed that Philadelphia was picking on seventh-round pick Marcellas Dial, who was beaten multiple times in coverage.
New England didn't have Marcus Jones, Jonathan Jones or Shaun Wade in the game, three of their top five guys, so it may be less of an issue when the season rolls around.
Raekwon McMillan flashed
McMillan has been an afterthought in New England after missing two of the last three seasons with the team due to injury.
On Thursday, he reminded everyone of the type of player he can be, even if it was against some players who won't see a lot of time in the regular season.
The 28-year-old played the second-most snaps (32) of any player on defense and led the team with nine tackles, including one for a loss.
As the Patriots look to fill out their roster, McMillan might be making a case to stick around.
MORE PATRIOTS NEWS
Drake Maye looked capable in preseason game
Watch Drake Maye’s first NFL touchdown
How did Jacoby Brissett do vs. Eagles?
Patriots send star edge rusher to the NFC South
