Patriots vs. Eagles: Halftime Observations for the Patriots

What a contrasting first half of play between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles got on the board early with a deep pass to Riley Cooper, followed by a short touchdown run by LeSean McCoy.  The Patriots were able to respond with a nice drive of their own, capped by a touchdown run from BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

We head into half with the Patriots leading 24-13 over the Eagles.  Will New England keep their foot on the throttle and blow the Eagles out of this game, or can Philly climb their way back and make it interesting?

Here are five things that the Patriots need to do in the second half in order to maintain control and win this game:

1. Tom Brady, Distribute the Ball Evenly

With a bevy a players to throw it to, Brady is at his best when he is distributing the ball all over the field.  When he is able to get the ball to Welker, Gronkowski, Branch, Woodhead and company, defenses are unable to key in on just one person.  This opens up the field for Brady and makes him even more dangerous.  Pass the ball around evenly and look for the Patriots to win this game.

2. Maintain the Running Game

Sure, the Patriots have the best quarterback in the NFL, but they need maintain a rushing attack in order to keep defenses honest.  Whether it is Green-Ellis or Woodhead carrying the ball, the Patriots need to keep the run game going.  When the Pats are able to run the ball, Brady is able to set up play action and take shots down field.  

The Eagles' defense is unable to stop the run and defend the potent passing attack of the Patriots.  Stay multidimensional in the second half and win this game.

3. Win the Turnover Battle

The Eagles have shown this season that they are turnover prone.  In Vince Young’s career, he has demonstrated the tendency to make arrant throws when pressure is applied.  We saw Young make a mistake in the first half, which New England was able to take advantage of by putting up three quick points.  

If the Pats want to maintain this lead, then they can’t afford to turn the ball over themselves.  A fumble or interception in the second half will give the Eagles an opportunity to win the ball game.

4. Don’t Give Up Big Plays

The Eagles are the type of team that can put up points in a hurry because they have so many explosive offensive weapons.  As we saw in the first drive of the game, the Eagles are capable of putting together scoring drives that last two minutes. New England’s defensive backs have to step up when play resumes or it will be an uphill battle.  In the second half, the Patriots are going to need to make the Eagles earn every possession they get.  

5. Don’t Let LeSean McCoy Get Going

McCoy is a dangerous back who can beat you in a number of ways.  He is able to run the ball between the tackles with consistency but also has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield for big gains.  So far, the Pats have done a good job of containing McCoy, but it will be necessary to keep him from getting loose in the second half.