Eagles Stun Patriots And Hand Them Second Straight Loss

The New England Patriots suffered their first loss of the regular season Sunday last when they lost to the Denver Broncos in what was deemed the best game of the season thus far. Coming home to Foxborough, Mass., to face a weak Philadelphia Eagles team who suffered three straight losses beforehand, it would seem the Patriots would come into the yesterday’s game with a vengeance.

But the Patriots did not look like the team they have been in the past 11 games for the Eagles’ defense and special teams stole the show from the AFC front runners. In the second half, Eagles linebacker Najee Goode ran a blocked punt to the end zone for a touchdown. Safety Malcolm Jenkins intercepted Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to run 99 yards for a touchdown and running back Darren Sproles returned a punt return for a touchdown as well, making the score 35-14. The Patriots would capitalize on a forced fumble and onside kick to score two quick touchdowns to cut the lead to 35-28 with one minute left in the game. Without tight end Rob Gronkowski, wide receiver Julian Edelman and running back Dion Lewis, Brady had to work with receivers who have stepped up in the past couple games to fill these spots. But three straight dropped passes to three different receivers did not tie the game for the Patriots, thus handing them their second straight loss. “Sort of had a chance there at the end. A comeback,” coach Bill Belichick said. “But when you give up 21 points when your defense isn’t on the field, you’re going to lose 98 percent of those games.”

With a record of 10-2, the Patriots now have a three game lead over the New York Jets in the AFC East but the cushion is gone for the Patriots to rest their injured players to have them back in time for the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Eagles have moved into a tie for second place with the New York Giants with both teams a half game behind NFC East division leaders Washington Redskins.

Photo: FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 06: Darren Sproles #43 of the Philadelphia Eagles returns a punt for an 83-yard touchdown during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)