The New England Patriots will host the Philadelphia Eagles for their second preseason game prior to the start of the 2024 season. 

And considering all that's happening in the past week leading up to the game, there is a lot to keep an eye on. 

So A to Z Sports compiled a list of the top five storylines to watch on Thursday night. 

1. Drake Maye's playing time

After only getting one drive in the Patriots first preseason game, head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters that the plan was for Maye to get a lot more time this week. 

And while he got numerous snaps during joint practice, the game will be key. Specifically because it will be interesting to see whether he gets snaps with the starting offensive line or not. 

The Patriots are being cautious with Maye after what happened with Mac Jones. But these preseason games are the time to get him game snaps so that he's ready when the time comes. 

And going against the playoff-bound team such as the Eagles will be perfect for him to learn the speed of the NFL. 

2. Offensive Line

Vederian Lowe-Sidy Sow-David Andrews-Mike Onwenu-Chukwuma Okorfaor

That has been the starting offensive line throughout the past week of practice. But going up against the Eagles, the Patriots quarterbacks were sacked numerous times. 

So something needs to change.

Onwenu shined at tackle last season, but throughout training camp, he has been only at guard. But the team could move him back over and look at one of their other players to fill in at guard. Enter Layden Robinson, who is a player to keep an eye on for that opening at guard if this were to happen. 

But we'll just have to see. 

3. Kicking Competition

In the first preseason game, it was veteran kicker Joey Slye that took the opening kick off and got the one field goal attempt during the game. Chad Ryland on the other hand was tasked with just the two extra points. 

So it will be interesting to see if they switch it up tonight, or it things stay the same. 

Based on how training camp has gone, A to Z Sports has Slye ahead of Ryland due to performance. But when the coaches are asked, they always say that it all tied up right now. 

But is it really?

4. Linebacker depth

Matthew Judon's time in New England has come to an end. And that means the Patriots need to find someone who can take over as a key pass rusher on the defensive line. The two that immediately came to mind are Oshane Ximines and Keion White. 

White is primed for a break-out second year, and Ximines has had an impressive camp. 

5. Christian Gonazlez 

Cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino said that the coaching staff doesn't put too much stock in 1v1s. They use it mainly for foot skills and such. And that's a good thing considering Gonzalez has been beat numerous times. 

But in general, t hasn't been an easy camp for the second-year cornerback. 

Now he gets the opportunity to go up against two star receivers – A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith – in Thursday's preseason game if the duo plays. This is his chance to show that he's the No. 1 cornerback.