The New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium, using a 14-point fourth quarter to erase a halftime deficit and finish their preseason home game with a late rally.
New England entered the final period down 21-10 after Philadelphia controlled the second quarter, but the Patriots answered when it mattered most. The Eagles had built their advantage with 14 points in the second quarter, while New England managed 10 before halftime. Neither offense added to its total in a scoreless third quarter, setting up a fourth-quarter finish in Foxborough.
The Patriots delivered the only multi-score surge of the second half, scoring twice in the final 15 minutes while holding Philadelphia to one touchdown. That 14-7 closing stretch turned a 21-10 Eagles lead into a 24-21 New England victory. In a preseason setting, where roster competitions and situational execution can matter as much as the result, the Patriots showed valuable poise in closing a tight game.
Fourth-Quarter Rally Makes the Difference
Philadelphia’s offense had the more productive early stretch, jumping from a scoreless first quarter to a 14-10 halftime lead. The Eagles then protected that margin through the third quarter, but New England found its rhythm down the stretch and put together the decisive scoring sequence.
There was no overtime and no need for a two-point attempt to settle the outcome. Instead, the Patriots’ fourth-quarter production supplied the margin, while their defense limited the Eagles to seven points after intermission. New England’s ability to flip the game in the final quarter was the defining development of the night.
The win moves the Patriots to 1-0-1 in the 2026 preseason, while Philadelphia falls to 0-2. Those records are secondary to the evaluation process in August, but New England’s comeback offers a positive final-quarter benchmark for its depth players and coaching staff.
Key Performers
Philadelphia quarterback Tanner McKee posted the game’s listed passing line, completing 16 of 22 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns. McKee efficiently directed the Eagles’ second-quarter offense and produced both of Philadelphia’s passing scores, giving the visitors a lead they carried into the fourth period.
Running back Will Shipley led the Eagles on the ground with 11 carries for 56 yards and one touchdown. His work helped Philadelphia establish balance during its best offensive stretch, particularly as the Eagles put up 14 points in the second quarter.
Carson Steele was Philadelphia’s receiving leader with six receptions for 84 yards and one touchdown. Steele provided McKee’s most productive target, accounting for nearly half of the quarterback’s passing-yard output and helping create the Eagles’ early advantage.
NerdSports Stat: New England scored 14 of the game’s final 21 points, turning an 11-point halftime deficit into a three-point preseason win.
The Patriots will look to carry that fourth-quarter momentum into their preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, August 27. Philadelphia gets another opportunity to sharpen its roster before the regular season when it faces the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday, August 28.
Frequently Asked Questions
New England Patriots defeated Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 on August 22, 2026.
The Patriots’ passing leader was not included in the provided game data.
No. New England won 24-21 in regulation.
New England Patriots is now 1-0-1; Philadelphia Eagles is 0-2.
The New England Patriots play the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM PDT.
