Eagles joint practice a welcome measuring stick for rebuilding Patriots

The New England Patriots will welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to town on Tuesday for their first and only joint practice of the summer. The session projects to be the most competitive of this year’s training camp so far, and give the Patriots a chance to see where they stand relative to one of the league’s most talented teams.

It also will be an opportunity for the Patriots to do some team-building in a comparatively controlled environment. Needless to say, there was quite a bit of excitement and anticipation in the air at Gillette Stadium on Monday.

“Excited to get another team in here, a contender team to go up and see where we land versus these guys,” said quarterback Jacoby Brissett. “I know it will be good work on both sides of the ball. I’m excited for that.”

After 13 practices against their own teammates, Tuesday will present a chance for the Patriots to break up the monotony of training camp. They already did so through the preseason opener versus the Carolina Panthers, of course, but the setting on the fields behind Gillette Stadium will differ from that particular contest.

The goal still remains the same, however: compete at a high level by focusing on fundamentals and technique. For outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins, the latter part in particular will be important on Tuesday.

“It’s great just to see another team’s technique,” he said. “See another team — a really talented time, like a big, physical O-line. When you put the scheme aside, this is going to be about how our fundamentals and how our techniques apply against just a really talented team that is going to do some things to challenge your fundamentals and technique.”

While they did run out of gas last year resulting in an early playoff exit, the Eagles are in a different stage in their development as the Patriots. Headlined by quarterback Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni, they have a proven structure in place that has guided the organization to three straight playoff trips.

Philadelphia does have its fair share of questions as well, especially after running out of gas down the stretch in 2023, but they will nonetheless be a good measuring stick for the rebuilding Patriots.

“They have a well-rounded team; running backs, at the quarterback position, same with the receivers. It will be good for our guys to have that level of competition to see how can feel those voids or can help contribute to our defense this season,” said defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington.

“Hopefully, we come out and dominate. That’s what we’re looking for, to have me being completely honest. That’s what we’re trying to do: go out and dominate. We’re trying to compete at a high level. We’re trying to execute, work on our fundamentals and technique, most importantly. And then we’re going to try to make sure that we — you’re going against another team — gel together as a team, offense, defense and special teams.”

In addition to the areas mentioned by Covington — fundamentals, technique, team building — the Patriots also will get to experience an uptick in competitiveness.

“Just an excellent, competitive atmosphere. Nothing’s better than this for us,” said safeties coach Brian Belichick. “We come out to practice and there’s another team out here ready to go toe-to-toe with you. They’re a great team, just like every other NFL team. They have jobs on the line.

“It’s going to be a very competitive day, and just a little bit closer to what a regular season NFL game is.”