FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The Eagles have spent the better part of a week in Massachusetts, bonding in a hotel setting, bearing down for some intense joint practices with the Patriots, and now, prepping for Preseason game No. 2 against New England.

This should be a fun one for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is that these teams have seen enough of each other this week. The task for the Eagles is simple: Improve their performance from the opener last week in Baltimore and come away knowing that the gradual, step-by-step improvement in the preseason is on course.

With that said, here are some storylines for the game against the Patriots (7 p.m., NBC10 in Philadelphia, Eagles app and website, 94 Sportsradio WIP). Click here for more details on how to watch.

1. Minimize the penalty number

The Eagles were whistled for 10 penalties in Baltimore and there is no doubt that Head Coach Nick Sirianni has made it a point to emphasize the importance of reducing that number on Saturday night. Preseason games are generally a time for penalties and adjustments, but a stickler for details like Sirianni wants to have every player understand the importance of discipline and being in the right position at the right time. Tough. Detailed. Together. All of those themes come under the umbrella of playing clean football.

2. Get something going on offense

No question the offense – with Andy Dalton, Tanner McKee and Cole Payton – didn't get untracked against the Ravens. The goal is to move the ball early here. That doesn't mean a revised plan for offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, who is likely to keep things simple with the expanse of the roster on the field – the starters saw action on a lot of reps in the joint practices. It means the players need to execute in the early downs, stay ahead of the sticks and gain first downs.

3. Build on the good things that happened in Baltimore

The defense had two takeaways against the Ravens. Some young players gained valuable reps and showed up. New long snapper Rocco Underwood was on point, a really good and underrated sign. Payton moved the offense and put the ball in the end zone. Some reserves along the offensive lines stepped up. There were some isolated bright spots that the coaching staff and Howie Roseman and the personnel department no doubt noted. This isn't a start-from-scratch moment. The Eagles want to build on what went right in Baltimore.

4. Remember, there is a roster evaluation going on

At the end of the day here, remember that this is all about reducing the roster from 90 players to 53 in the next 10 days. And then building on that initial 53. And then getting it all together and beating Washington on September 13. There is no game planning going on here. Mannion isn't showing his hand with the offensive identity. Vic Fangio is keeping it vanilla. Roster evaluation is paramount.

5. Extra reps will benefit the younger players

Don't forget that beyond the 53-man roster, the Eagles will establish a practice squad of up to 16 players and every one of those spots is highly valued. We've got a long season in front of us. Roster depth is so huge. And one of the many benefits of having joint practices is that the younger players on the roster and those who are perhaps not as experienced get a chance to play in these preseason games. The Eagles have two preseason games remaining. These games are for the bottom half of the roster, if you will, and they serve as a great opportunity for those players to present the best version of themselves.

6. Spirited practices, expect a physical game

The two days of practices against the Patriots were tough and physical and, at times, sidelined by pushing and shoving moments. How much of this physical stuff carries over into Saturday's 60 minutes? It will be fun to watch. There is familiarity between the teams and the players. There is a lot on the line here for players on both sides, so sit back and enjoy what should be a high-tempo, high-stakes game with players who know exactly how much is on the line.