FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Patriots head into the fourth quarter trailing the Eagles by a score of 24-17. Here are some thoughts and notes from the third quarter of game action:

1. We've discussed the possibility of seeing the Patriots employing two-back sets under Josh McDaniels this season. The thinking has been that it would include a fullback, but in the third quarter we saw quite a bit of running backs Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley on the field together. Not sure if this is a set the Patriots will want to develop heading into the season or more experimentation.

2. The Patriots looked deep for receiver Donte' Stallworth on a couple of occasions in the third quarter. His speed has looked like a potential asset during training camp, but he wasn't able to clearly separate on either occasion.

3. Linebacker Mike Rivera struggled on back-to-back plays trying to stay with Eagles tight ends in pass coverage. Rivera has a chance to make the Patriots' final roster as a depth-level linebacker, but coverage limitations could be a factor if he ultimately misses the cut. He's tight moving laterally.

4. Perhaps surprisingly, Ridley entered the game in the third quarter (originally on the kickoff return team). Ridley was recently dinged up at practice and missed Friday's session, which was open to the public. The fact that he has played tonight is evidence that he's come along quickly.

5. At 33, Deion Branch is not the same player he was earlier in his career with the Patriots, but he remains productive and dependable. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time.

6. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski looks ready for the regular season as he drilled a 55-yard field goal, his second kick from more than 50 yards on the night. For his career, he has made five kicks of 50+ yards.

7. Penalty box: Rookie defensive end Jake Bequette was called for a personal foul after clocking Eagles quarterback Nick Foles on a hit that the refs ruled was too late.