The New England Patriots have a tough challenge ahead of them on Sunday. 

To open the 2023 season, the Patriots will be facing off against the reigning NFC Champions, taking on the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium. 

And the entire coaching staff is aware of what is ahead, being very complimentary over Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense.

“They’re a well balanced offense and it’s well orchestrated by the quarterback,” Belichick said on Monday. “Hurts does a great job of running the show, executing the offense, but also making all scheduled plays and can run, throw. They got two great receivers. Good tight end. Some explosive backs.” 

Hurts is entering his fourth season with the Eagles, coming off the best year of his career in 2022. He finished with 306 completions for 3,701 passing yards and 22 passing touchdowns along with 760 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. 

His impressive efforts helped lead the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII, where they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs. So, not only are they looking to get back to the Super Bowl this season, but they are also looking to claim the victory. 

And the Patriots are the first team that stands in their way. 

“This is a game that’s going to take a lot of defensive discipline and awareness," Belichick said during an appearance on WEEI on Monday. "They have some very explosive players. Certainly the receivers, the tight ends, the quarterback, a good group of running backs as well, so we’re going have to do a good job on everybody.”

The Patriots are already familiar with Hurts' style of play, having seen him during joint practices in 2021, but he has certainly improved since then. Outside linebackers coach Steve Belichick talked about the quarterback's skillset and what he has noticed from Hurts when speaking with reporters on Tuesday. 

“That’s always a tough balance with these types of quarterbacks, I would say first of all, going back to when we practiced against them a couple years ago — practice is practice, first of all,” Steve Belichick said. “But yeah, Hurts, he’s a problem at the end of the day."

“Thrower, runner, you know, he’s a dangerous weapon for them," he added. "But he’s a running back who can throw the ball very well. So he’s a tough challenge and we’re looking forward to it.”

And Hurts isn't the only weapon the Eagles have in their arsenal. 

While running back D'Andre Swift and receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith were mentioned, it was their tight end who received some of the highest praise. 

Bill Belichick referred to Dallas Goedert as "one of the best tight ends in the league,” and Steve Belichick also added some of his own thoughts on what Goedert brings to the table. 

“I think he’s a really good player,” Steve Belichick said. “He’s a tough guy. Willing to throw his body around to block. And can get vertical down the field and is a savvy player, so those guys are tough to defend.”

The Patriots will be faced with their first test of the season at 4:25 p.m. on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. 

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