Bill Belichick boasts about 'impressive' 2023 Eagles squad

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick had plenty of pleasant things to say about the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of their Week 1 matchup.   "Well, Look at the Eagles here, this is, I have to say, a really impressive team [and] organization," Belichick opened Wednesday's press conference. "Look at what they’ve done through the years." […]

Kelsey Kramer College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Patriots head coach Bill Belichick
Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick had plenty of pleasant things to say about the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of their Week 1 matchup.  

"Well, Look at the Eagles here, this is, I have to say, a really impressive team [and] organization," Belichick opened Wednesday's press conference. "Look at what they’ve done through the years."

Belichick went on to list Philadelphia's successes and added how "well-balanced" this 2023 team is in all three phases: offense, defense and special teams. 

"They’ve got a really good offensive line, excellent skill players, starting with the quarterback, but certainly the receivers – [A.J.] Brown, [DeVonta] Smith, [Dallas] Goedert, I mean they’re all good. They’ve got good backs, good quarterback, good skill players."

He then highlighted the Eagles' defense, calling them "the best."

"Their front is a very dominant front. They're the best pass rushing front in the league by, I'd say, quite a bit, with good depth. So they can roll those guys out of there pretty comfortably and bring in other guys that are just as explosive, dangerous. They have a great combination of power and speed in the pass rush front."

Belichick isn't wrong considering the Eagles were the first team in NFL history with four players with 10-plus sacks in a single season last year. 

Sure, they lost Javon Hargrave in free agency, but they found a solid replacement with ninth-overall pick Jalen Carter.

Belichick didn't stop there, calling out many other Eagles starters in the secondary. 

"[They have some good coverage players. Obviously, [Darius] Slay is one of the top coverage corners in the league. [James] Bradberry, drafted [Sydney] Brown, [Reed] Blankenship’s there."

Some special teams players even received a shout-out. 

"And then they're pretty good in the kicking game. [Britain] Covey's explosive, [Boston] Scott's explosive. They've got an excellent field-goal kicker in [Jake] Elliot–a good group there that has been productive for them

"They’ve made some big plays, you know, the big return in the Super Bowl; they’ve blocked kicks. They’re a good punt rush team. They’re a good field goal rush team. So, they really challenge you on every play."

Belichick didn't only start his rant by sharing high praise for Eagles' general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Siriani, but he ended with it as well. 

"It's a really good football team. They're impressive to watch. They're well put together by Howie and his staff and then well-coached by Nick and the coordinators."

He then made note of how the Patriots have just three more days to prep before facing the reigning NFC Champions. 

"Good opportunity for us, big challenge." 


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