Don't expect to see much Tom Brady tonight
Some of the Patriots’ key starters won’t be playing tonight against the Eagles, as the Pats plan to take it easy on some players as they prepare for an intense 10-day stretch in which they play three games and conduct two joint practices, not to mention the travel and impending roster cuts.
I’m not sure what this means for Tom Brady at this point, but based on the fact that several starters won’t be playing, it’s definitely not a certainty that Brady will play. Again, I haven’t heard about him specifically, so that’s just a guess on my part.
The Eagles and Patriots are taking much different approaches to this game, given that both will be playing again four days later.
However, the Eagles are playing an opponent that they will meet again in their preseason opener. As a result, they will treat this game much more like a third preseason game, and give their starters extensive playing time. . That way they can play very little of their starts four days later against the Browns, and not give much away for their regular season opener. They are only expected to have one practice in between those games.
The Patriots, on the other hand, have a joint practice scheduled with the Buccaneers this week before they face each other four days from now. It wouldn't make sense for the Pats to get rid of practices. It also wouldn't make sense for them to put their starters out in a game tonight, practice them hard against the Bucs all week, play them for a half in the preseason game against Tampa and then play them again in the preseason finale three days after that.
The Patriots schedule is loaded, they will play three games in the next 10 days. If it were my call, I wouldn't play any starters this game.
If that turns out to be the case, be sure to check your expectations. If the Pats get creamed, know that it is because the Eagles did some light game planning and are playing their starters, meanwhile New England is taking the complete opposite approach.
It'll be a great test for the younger guys trying to prove their worth. If those players have success against the Eagles at almost full force, they'll make a good case to make the roster.
UPDATE: Tom Brady and other key players will rest.
