WATCH: Jones Hits Bourne for Late TD in Patriots' Furious, Futile Rally vs. Eagles

The New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles took things to the wire in their Week 1 matchup at Gillette Stadium.

FOXBORO — Just when you thought they were out, the New England Patriots pulled themselves back in. 

Unfortunately, it was “just a bit outside” of securing a victory in Week 1, as the Pats fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 25-20 in their season-opener at Gillette Stadium. 

Facing a 25-14 deficit late in the fourth quarter of their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium, quarterback Mac Jones led his team on a six-play, 75-yard scoring drive in less than two minutes. 

The drive was truly owned by running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who sparked it with a 32-yard catch and run, which brought New England to the Eagles 43-yard line. Rookie Demario Douglas added a 16-yard completion to take New England deep into Philadelphia territory. Jones caped the drive with an 11-yard strike for the score to receiver Kendrick Bourne. 

Double the @BournePoly11.

📺: #PHIvsNE on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/MU9w1aQWxi

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 10, 2023

The Pats quarterback was thought to have secured a two-point conversion. However a holding penalty against offensive lineman Calvin Anderson kept the score at 25-20. 

Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY

Still, the Patriots were able to find additional life. At first-and-10 from their own 27, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Pats safety Jabrill Peppers. New England had their chances to put the Eagles on their heels. However, a failed fourth-and-17 attempt to Hunter Henry stalled their momentum. 

The Patriots defense held Philly on a crucial fourth-and-2 at their own 44, with a chance for a game-winning drive. New England nearly had a potentially game-changing fourth-down conversion on a 12-yard sideline catch from rookie Kayshon Boutte. However, a slight nudge from Eagles defensive back Josh Jobe kept Boutte from keeping both feet in bounds on the athletic grab.

The Eagles took over on downs and used their final snap to defeat the Patriots, who begin the season 0-1. 

Led by third-year quarterback (and two-time team captain) Jones, the Patriots were hoping to show marked improvement from an 8-9 finish to their 2022 campaign. The task at hand is a tall one, as the Pats welcomed the defending NFL Champion-Eagles to Foxboro. Behind quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Eagles boast one of the most versatile offenses in the NFL. They also employ a stifling defense, which led the league with 70 sacks last season.

The Pats mission was made even more difficult as the team announced that three offensive starters - receiver DeVante Parker and offensive linemen Cole Strange and Michael Onwenu - are inactive and will miss the game. Also on New England's inactives list: Linebacker Anfernee Jennings, defensive tackle Sam Roberts and cornerback Shaun Wade.