Eagles vs. Patriots: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Radio, Game Time and More

The New England Patriots host the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. It’s sure to provide more excitement than last week’s Monday night laugher that saw the Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders battle it out to a 3-0 finale.

Both teams are 1-0 in the preseason so far and have a lot to prove, with the chance to do it in front of the entire country on Monday Night Football.

The Eagles will be facing an uphill battle, as the Patriots have been extremely impressive at home since 2002, recording a 76-15 record over that span.

Where: Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

When: Monday, August 20 at 8 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN, NFL RedZone or online at NFL Preseason Live

Listen: Sirius XM Radio: 88 or online at NFL Audio Pass  

Betting Line: N/A as of Friday, August 17

What’s At Stake

Both teams have a high profile around the league and will draw a big audience for their prime-time exhibition. The Eagles have already begun drawing buzz after an 8-8 finish to a season in which they were dubbed the “Dream Team” and picked to go to the Super Bowl.

If the Eagles can come out and play well in the first half Monday night, there may be a lot more people willing to believe in their emergence this season.

The Patriots are the Patriots and won’t lose or gain much from this one other than continued respect around the league.

Eagles Injury Report

The Philadelphia Eagles are going to need their defense to be at full force for this Monday night duel with the prolific Patriots passing attack. However, that’s not likely to be the case.

Casey Matthews is doubtful with a high-ankle sprain and will not be a factor for the Eagles defense. Also, Nnamdi Asomugha left practice Thursday with a neck injury that he’s been battling all week.

Asomugha is certainly not ruled out for Monday night, but keep posted on his status over the weekend. The Eagles would be better served to rest him so he’s 100 percent before opening day.

Patriots Injury Report

The new-look Patriots offense is dinged up but should be ready to meet the Eagles defense at near-full force on Monday night. Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski and Brandon Lloyd have all sat in practice earlier this week but have returned since and should be good to go on Monday.

On the other hand, two players are questionable, according to ESPN.

Jabar Gaffney worked out during Thursday’s practice but did not participate. Stevan Ridley is the lone question mark and is the only Pats starter who may miss the game after suffering a knee injury Thursday.

What They’re Saying

Jeff Skversky of WPVI-TV in Philadelphia tweeted that the Eagles starters would play AT LEAST the first half against the Patriots on Monday night:

"

Andy Reid says Michael Vick & the @eagles starters will play at least the 1st half Monday vs the @patriots. You can watch the game on @6abc

— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) August 15, 2012"

Danny Picard of CSNNE.com shared Bill Belichick’s thoughts on how his defense is coming together as the Monday night challenge of the Eagles approaches:

"

"I think our defensive players, most of them have been out there quite a bit of the time. They've had a chance to work on their techniques and have been able to work together, so that's been good. Of course, we won't get to the full test until we get to the regular season, in any area of the game. We have to compete against our offense every day. But they're working hard. We'll see where we're at. We still have a long way to go. I like their attitude and work ethic. We've got good competition at several positions, so we'll see how all that works out."

"

Eagles Player to Watch: Michael Vick

In 2011, the New England Patriots defense ranked 31st in the NFL against the pass. However, a strong showing in its preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints offense may be a sign of changes to come for the Pats' embattled defense.

Michael Vick and his potent passing attack consisting of DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek will be tested and must deliver if the Eagles are going to keep pace with the Patriots offense. The Pats D will need to find answers to bottle up Vick on the ground and through the air.

This dynamic ability makes Vick a player every team must game-plan for and account for on every single play. This opens up so much for the Eagles and will be crucial for Philadelphia in this exhibition as the Patriots rotate in their second- and third-string defenders.

Patriots Player to Watch: Brandon Lloyd

The Pats' second-ranked passing offense a season ago got even better this offseason. After breaking out late in his career in Denver in 2010 (77 catches, 1,448 yards, 11 touchdowns), Brandon Lloyd has found himself the latest addition to Tom Brady’s arsenal in Foxborough.

If Lloyd has indeed peaked and is in the prime of his career, he may be a deadly addition for Bill Belichick and his vaunted passing attack.

Look for Lloyd to make big plays this season, and it may begin on Monday night against an underachieving Eagles secondary.

Prediction

The Eagles need Nnamdi Asomugha healthy for this huge test their defense will face on national television. If he isn’t able to go, or is slowed by injury, the dynamic Patriots offense may be able to exploit Philly's secondary, and things may get out of control early.

However, with the Eagles set to play their starters into the second half, they will have the opportunity to bounce back in this one.

Eagles win by 13

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