It was over when ...
CB Asante Samuel intercepted a long A.J. Feely pass intended for WR Kevin Curtis in the end zone with the Patriots holding onto a 31-28 lead with 3:58 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Eagles had been moving the ball effectively (seven plays, 71 yards) before the turnover.
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| Patriots WR Wes Welker recorded season highs in receptions (13) and yards (149). |
Game balls
On offense, it goes to Patriots WR Wes Welker, who recorded season highs in receptions (13) and yards (149). On defense, Samuel had two interceptions, the first coming on the Eagles' third play from scrimmage, which he returned 40 yards for a touchdown.
Key stat
The Patriots won despite calling just 15 rushing plays and throwing the ball a season-high 54 times.
Noteworthy
With his 21st and 22nd career interceptions, Samuel is now ninth on the Patriots' all-time list. ... The Patriots are the only team to have not allowed an opponent to score on their first possession of the game this season. ... Following their second touchdown, the Eagles successfully converted a surprise onside kick with 12:50 remaining in the second quarter. ... The Patriots went with a four-wide receiver formation and called only one run play -- to FB Heath Evans -- the entire first half. Patriots RB Laurence Maroney's first carry of the game came with 11:27 remaining in the third quarter. He finished with 10 carries for 31 yards and one touchdown. ... With 31 points vs. the Eagles, the Patriots now have 442 in 11 games, eclipsing their previous franchise high for a season (441 in 1980). ... With just one touchdown pass Brady failed to throw at least three for the first time this season. ... The Eagles' 21 first-half points were the most scored against the Patriots in the first half this season. ... Eagles WR Greg Lewis caught two touchdown passes -- his first scores of the season.
