The New England Patriots didn't dress 26 players on Monday night in their 27-17 loss to the Eagles, including several key starters, including like QB Tom Brady, LB Jerod Mayo and DT Vince Wilfork.
The team has three games in 10 days and is traveling to Tampa on Tuesday for two practices and a game against the Buccaneers.
"It is what it is," said coach Bill Belichick. "We don't make the schedule."
Chung injured: The only big negative for the Patriots was that starting safety Patrick Chung left with a shoulder injury and did not return. It's not believed to be serious but Chung has never made it through an entire season, and he's a key leader in the secondary.
Mallett states his case: Second-year QB Ryan Mallett got the start and was solid, connecting on 10 of 20 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown for a rating of 82.3. Backup Brian Hoyer was just 5 of 17 for 55 and was sacked two times. He didn't get as much time behind the starting offensive line.
Patriots’ offensive line line still struggling: The offensive line continued to look poor in the preseason and this might have been worse than the its game against the Saints. LT Nate Solder had a rough time against Eagles DE Trent Cole. RT Marcus Cannon was repeatedly beat and the coaches might have to think about moving him to guard and looking at other options for a swing tackle.
Follow the Patriots and Greg Bedard on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLNE.
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