Given the Patriots struggles with health along the offensive line, that's not good news. Last season Philly led the league with 69 sacks and its 12.6 percent sack-per-pass-play rate also led the league. In addition to space eaters in the middle, Philly has Haason Reddick, Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat and Derek Barnett as pass rushers along with Cox. Here's where that vaunted defensive line figures to impact the game the most. Still, the Patriots ability to grind out yards on the ground should allow Stevenson to have some success.
Depth at linebacker has been an early concern for Nick Sirianni, but the bulk up front won't be easy to deal with. Fletcher Cox, Jordan Davis and rookie Jalen Carter man the interior spots in front of linebackers Zach Cunningham and Nakobe Dean. The big question for the Patriots will be finding ways to block the Eagles daunting front. Elliott isn't as explosive as he once was but still possesses the vision and toughness to be effective near the goal line as his 12 rushing touchdowns with the Cowboys a year ago suggests.
Stevenson should be the lead dog once again, coming off his first 1,000-yard season while averaging 5 yards per carry.
The Patriots clearly want to establish the run with Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott representing the one-two punch in the backfield. Philly allowed 121.6 yards per game (16th) and 4.64 yards per rush (24th) over the course of the 2022 season. The Eagles defense was among the best in football a year ago, but it was just average when it came to stopping the run.
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