Source: Boston Herald

Game results aren't nearly as meaningful as a team's preparation process during the preseason. Patriots coach Bill Belichick invested his stock in the latter last night, when the Eagles beat the Pats, 27-17, at Gillette Stadium.

Quarterback Tom Brady, tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, and receivers Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd were held out for the offense. The defense suited up without captains Jerod Mayo, Vince Wilfork and Devin McCourty.

The strategy behind it all was to rest some key starters before this week's three-day stretch in which the Patriots (1-1) have two joint practices before Friday's preseason game against the Buccaneers in Tampa.

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