Ridley, Collins make plays in Pats’ preseason game vs. Eagles

Published 12:01 am Saturday, August 10, 2013

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A couple of Miss-Lou products saw action Friday in the New England Patriots’ season opener, a 31-22 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Trinity Episcopal Day School and LSU alumnus Stevan Ridley had 92 yards rushing for the Patriots, including a 62-yard run on the first play from scrimmage. He finished that drive with a 1-yard TD run. Franklin County High School and Southern Mississippi alumnus Jamie Collins, who was drafted in the second round by the Patriots this past spring, had one tackle and one assist.

Michael Vick took an early lead over Nick Foles in the first round of the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback competition, and the Patriots’ Tom Brady led this team to a pair of 80-yard TD drives in his only two series against the Eagles.

Email newsletter signup

Vick threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to DeSean Jackson, but the new-look Eagles kicked off the Chip Kelly era the same way they ended Andy Reid’s long tenure — with another loss.

Kelly’s biggest decision will be picking a starting quarterback. Vick and Foles each led the Eagles to a touchdown in two series apiece.

Vick’s came against New England’s starters and he looked sharp, completing 4 of 5 passes for 94 yards. Foles lost a fumble on his second play and then went 5 of 6 for 43 yards. Kelly already said Foles will start next Thursday night against Carolina.

Meanwhile, the Patriots have no QB controversies. Tim Tebow made his New England debut after backup Ryan Mallett left with a head injury late in the second quarter. Tebow was 4 of 12 for 55 yards and ran for 31 on four carries.

As for Brady, the two-time NFL and Super Bowl MVP finished 7 of 8 for 65 yards and one TD.