Eagles Matt Patricia vs. Patriots: 'Tremendous Insight' Could Come in Handy

Philadelphia Eagles senior defensive assistant Matt Patricia spent 16 years with Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots, and his familiarity with them and the AFC East could be helpful.

PHILADELPHIA - Once again, Sean Desai was asked about the role Matt Patricia will play as the Philadelphia Eagles prepare to open their season against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.

The Eagles defensive coordinator said on Wednesday morning that he has heard the question a lot since taking over for Jonathan Gannon in the offseason.

“It feels like you ask me this like every other press conference, but I get it this week in particular because has a lot of experience in New England; heavily, just like we’ve relied heavily on a lot of these coaches, heavily, to kind of come up with their plan,” said Desai.

“Matt has a lot of insight, especially in terms of the people there, the actual personal attributes of guys we’re playing against, because some of them we haven’t seen much off the preseason tape. He’s been great, a tremendous resource.”

Patricia spent 16 of his 20 seasons, over two stints, coaching in the NFL with Patriots coach Bill Belichick, including five years as the defensive coordinator before becoming the Detroit Lions head coach in 2018.

Last season, Patricia was one of Belichick’s co-offensive coordinators with former New York Giants head coach Joe Judge, so he has familiarity with New England on both sides of the ball.

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The Eagles are playing the AFC East this season, so after the Patriots, they will eventually get the New York Jets, the Buffalo Bills, and the Miami Dolphins.

Patricia, who is listed as a senior defensive assistant, has not been made available to speak with reporters because he doesn't have to be. He could, however, be a more valuable resource for the Eagles as the season goes along.

The Eagles took a bit of a risk hiring Patricia given the contentious relationship he and cornerback Darius Slay had during their time in Detroit, but the team felt the risk was worth taking, evidently.

“You try to turn over every stone you possibly can looking for answers and different things.,” coach Nick Sirianni said. “Like I said, anybody that's been around Coach Belichick, you're always asking questions about, whether it's scheme or whether it’s coaching philosophies. I've always been fascinated by him and his coaching tree.

“So, again, like I said, (New York Giants coach) Brian Daboll, big mentor to me. And then just how big of a help Coach Patricia has been to me as well, just with general coaching philosophies and also scheme-wise. Of course, you're going to look for every advantage you can get, and that's what we're doing this week.”

The Eagles and Pats will kickoff from Gillette Stadium on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS.