If you made it from start to finish for the New England Patriots 35-0 preseason whitewashing of the Philadelphia Eagles, well, there really isn’t much to say except please seek help.

No, seriously, it was just another example of how the preseason can’t be taken as a true barometer. One team last night cared about getting a few things done; the other held out starters and those who did take Lincoln Financial Field had no interest in being there. Let’s face it, the Eagles are in for a long year, anyway. Their fans may as well get used to games like this even if they don’t count.

The most entertainment came after the game when Cam Newton jabbed at Eagle DB K’Von Wallace, calling him “Glitter” in his post game press conference. Wallace had called Newton the “Checkdown King” earlier in the week during the joint practices.

And Chase Winovich, back after being on the PUP list, gave an interesting closing speech to his interview time.

“To be a Patriot, you know, I always say either one of two things is possible,” he said. “Either Coach Belichick is one of the greatest coaches of all-time by accident, or there’s a reason behind everything we do. I had bought in, and I’m committed to whatever they ask me to do and just being at peace as part of the team.”

Oh brother. It seemed to be Winovich’s response to talk that he had fallen out of favor. Smooch.

The numbers were the same for the QBs. Mac Jones looked good, 13 of 19 for 146 yards; Newton, who started, went 8 of 9 for 103 yards and a TD to his favorite target, Jakobi Meyers.

“We’re a better team than when we came down here, that was the main goal,” Belichick said.

Maybe we’re looking at the wrong competition. The Patriots have a ton of running backs who seem to be making a difference. Sony Michel and Damien Harris are being pushed by rookie Rhamondre Stevenson (66 yards, two TDs) and second year back J.J. Taylor (team high 93. And don’t forget James White, while Brandon Bolden is more of a special teamer.

“In that room, those guys make each other better each and every day,” Newton said. Even Belichick said “It’s a good group. … They’ve all gotten opportunities and shown positively in their opportunities. Competition brings out the best in all of us, and I think those guys are competing well, they’ve all contributed. It’s a great situation.”

Wow. We’ve told you before, Belichick wants the strength of this team to be its physical nature. Newton fits that mold as a runner and a QB, and we think he’ll play as long as he doesn’t throw it to the other team. Jones needs to get bigger but he really hasn’t done anything wrong.

“All those keys to victories we go over, and it was great to see it come to fruition tonight,” Newton said.

The only guy who probably put himself at risk is rookie placekicker Quinn Nordin who missed a field goal and two extra points. Whatever is wrong with Nick Folk, he better get back soon or his accuracy will be sorely missed.

But this was the definition of the preseason, hungry players vs. third stringers. One more game left before the real stuff starts, vs. the Giants in 10 days, and who knows, maybe the Patriots will be the team that doesn’t really care.

September 12 vs. Miami can’t come soon enough.

Tom King may be reached @Telegraph_TomK, or tking@nashuatelegraph.com