During a hectic offseason and a very successful preseason, this was the game that was circled on the calendar. Week 13 against the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots seemed to be the test that would help show where the Eagles stood among the contenders.
At 4-7, that is not the case.
The Eagles showdown with the Patriots has been moved out of the national spotlight as Chip Kelly's team has floundered to a three-game losing streak that shows no signs of stopping soon.
Here are six things to watch for in Sunday's game.
Tom Brady – The sure-fire, first-ballot Hall-of-Famer goes against the Eagles for the fifth time in his career. He has won the previous four. Brady is a next-level quarterback, the type that rarely comes along. With his career resume alone, he is a tough enough opponent. Throw in the fact that he's as good now at 38 as he was 16 years as a rookie, and the tall task of facing him is an enormous task.
Sam Bradford – The final five games of the season for Bradford are an audition for next season, for both the Eagles and the rest of the NFL. Pre-injury, Bradford was just starting to find some rhythm, but had not proven his value as a starting quarterback just yet. This may not be the best game to judge him on, but his performance is worth watching, especially as he returns from injury.
Eagles defense – In back-to-back games, the Eagles defense has allowed 45 points and five passing touchdowns to Jameis Winston and Matthew Stafford. Facing a Brady-led Patriots offense, even shorthanded, will be quite a task.
Danny Amendola – A week ago, Amendola's status was unknown for Sunday's game, but it appears the wide receiver will add a weapon to Brady's arsenal. He should be one of the go-to targets for Brady in his return.
Scott Chandler – With Rob Gronkowski out for Sunday's game, the Patriots will likely feature Chandler in the passing game. Chandler has put together a nice season as the second tight end option for Brady. In his first start at the top tight end, Chandler may just pace the Patriots offense.
Eagles wide receivers – All of the 10-1 talk aside for the Patriots, they have Bradley Fletcher and Patrick Chung in the starting lineup, two of the ghosts of secondaries past for the Eagles. If the Eagles can get into a rhythm in the passing game, they could take advantage of weaknesses to both that Chip Kelly should be well aware of, having coached both at one time.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
