Inside the Iggles
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Eagle versus Patriots: New England's lone psychological advantage, four matchups to watch

There's only one way that we see the Eagles losing in Week 1 to the Patriots but we thought we'd highlight some of the best matchups anyway.

By Geoffrey Knox

Bill Belichick, Mac Jones Philadelphia Eagles
Bill Belichick, Mac Jones Philadelphia Eagles / Ethan Miller/GettyImages
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New England's rushing attack versus the Eagles' defensive front and second level

In looking at both rosters, there aren't many areas where we would give the edge in our imaginary tale of the tape to the Pats, but if we were to do so, it would be in our comparison of both running back rooms. We believe the Eagles will be more productive, but we also believe New England is more talented at the position even if they're only slightly so.

The defensive line has two objectives, make life tough for Mac Jones and limit the Patriots' rushing attack. If New England gets to the second level consistently, it will be a long day for Philly's defense.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, and Kendrick Bourne versus Darius Slay, James Bradberry, and Avonte Maddox

Just in case you missed the announcement, we have hung up the wanted posters, and we have been calling all cars since we did so. JuJu Smith-Schuster sits firmly on our Most Wanted list. When you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us. This is Team James Bradberry, and we would have no objection if defensive coordinator Sean Desai let the Second-Team All-Pro travel with the loudmouth and lock him down all day.

Darius Slay and Avonte Maddox can handle DeVante Parker and Kendrick Bourne. In other words, advantage Birds.

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