With Tom Brady sidelined, Matt Gutierrez appeared to take the lead in the backup quarterback race, going 14-of-20 for 217 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the Eagles.

WR Wes Welker left the game after suffering a rib injury on a first-quarter punt return.

Said coach Bill Belichick of Gutierrez, “He took a few hits, but he stepped up and threw the ball.”

Belichick hugged Asante Samuel after the game.

Said Samuel of the way Patriots fans treated him,”They love to hate me. They love me, they miss me, but I’m not with them so they hate me.”

Patriots fans shouldn’t expect to see Brady until the regular season starts.

Said CB Ellis Hobbs, “Right now, as far as we’re concerned we’re 0-3 in the preseason, but we’re still 0-0.”

The offense rushed 20 times for 65 yards, including a 22-yard scramble by QB Matt Cassel, which is the longest running play of the preseason for the Patriots.

C.J. Jones had three catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.

Said Heath Evans of the kickoff return touchdown the Patriots allowed, “that one was my fault.”

DE Mike Wright started in place of Ty Warren.

The Patriots deferred after winning the coin toss for the third straight game.