Flags fly freely during Pats’ victory

The New England Patriots put up big numbers in their preseason win over the Philadelphia Eagles — 476 yards, 35 first downs and nearly 40 minutes in time of possession.

It got to a point that Patriots coach Bill Belichick was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct for arguing, in vain, against a penalty on the opponent.

The Eagles were called for defensive pass interference even though wide receiver Julian Edelman caught Tom Brady’s long pass.

After New England’s 42-35 win Friday night, a reporter asked Belichick for clarification of the play.

Coaches and players will figure it out for themselves the more they practice and play under the new emphasis on giving receivers more space to run their patterns.

There were 11 penalties against the Patriots and 10 against the Eagles — with seven others declined.

Of the 28 penalties called, 15 were against the defense, 12 against the offense and one on an enraged Belichick’s foray onto the field after the pass to Edelman.

The Eagles were called for 11 defensive penalties to four for the Patriots, including those declined.

Brady threw one touchdown pass in his two series, rookie Jimmy Garoppolo had two in playing the rest of the half and Ryan Mallett threw for a touchdown and ran for another while playing the entire second half.