Winners and losers from Patriots' preseason loss to Eagles

Mike Masala

Winners and losers from Patriots' preseason loss to Eagles image

The New England Patriots were handed their first loss of the preseason on Thursday, as the Philadelphia Eagles defeated them 14-13 at Gillette Stadium.

Jerod Mayo's team clearly still has a lot to work on before they're ready to compete in the regular season, as even their starters struggled with the Eagles' backups.

As we continue to work our way through this game, let's look at some players who deserve credit for their performances and some who need to stay late after practice.

WINNER: WR Kayshon Boutte

The second-year wideout made a few plays in the preseason opener against Carolina, including an impressive 28-yard catch and run to lead the team in receiving yards.

He led the team in receiving yards again against the Eagles, bringing in three of his four targets for 23 yards. That included an incredible one-handed snag to bail Drake Maye out on a high throw.

LOSER: VP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf

New England entered the offseason with a ton of cap space and a fair amount of draft capital. With less than a month to go until the season, they still have nearly $51 million to work with, and they don't appear to have enough talent on the roster.

Completing a full game where the offense passes for less than 100 yards is unacceptable, even in the preseason, and it's clear right now that Wolf should've done more to sure up the offensive line and surround the quarterbacks with weapons.

WINNER: DE Keion White

New England sent Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons earlier in the week, so they'll need someone else to step up on the edge this season.

White answered the call against the Eagles. He recorded just one sack in his 21 defensive snaps, but he was causing issues for Philadelphia's offensive line.

If he can do that in the regular season, the front seven shouldn't miss a beat without Judon.

LOSER: OT Vederian Lowe

Lowe started at left tackle just as he's done recently in training camp, but he didn't look good. He allowed pressure and a sack and was also called for the team's lone penalty of the day (a false start).

Things don't look good on the left side and no quarterback should feel safe with Lowe there.

WINNER: LB Raekwon McMillan

McMillan has missed two of the last three seasons due to injuries, but he was a force on Thursday. He played the second-most defensive snaps (32) of anyone on the team and led the group in tackles (nine). He may be earning himself a spot in a crowded room.

WINNER: K Joey Slye

The kicking competition continues between Slye and Chad Ryland. Slye made his two field goal attempts - one from 51 yards and another from 45. Ryland made the team's lone extra point attempt.

The 28-year-old probably has the advantage at this point.

MORE PATRIOTS NEWS

Takeaways from Patriots' loss to Eagles

Drake Maye looked capable in preseason game

Watch Drake Maye’s first NFL touchdown

How did Jacoby Brissett do vs. Eagles?

Mike Masala

Mike Masala Photo

Mike Masala previously served as the Managing Editor of USA TODAY's Dolphins Wire as well as a contributing writer at Patriots Wire. A lifelong New England resident, he is the self-proclaimed captain and lone member of the Laurence Maroney Fan Club. Follow on Twitter/X: @Mike_Masala