The Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) got back to their winning ways after defeating the New Orleans Saints (2-1) 15-12 at Caesars Superdome on Sunday.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate Philly’s ‘Big 3’ and their outstanding performances on Sunday:
-RB Saquon Barkley had another monster performance for the Eagles. He finished the game with 147 rushing yards on 17 carries and two rushing touchdowns. Barkley ripped off a 65-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to give Philadelphia their first lead, and he had the game-winning touchdown with just over a minute to go.
-Without A.J. Brown and after losing DeVonta Smith(concussion) in the second half, the Eagles got great production from tight end Dallas Goedert. He had career highs in receptions (10) and receiving yards (170), including a 61-yard catch and run that set up the game-winning touchdown.
-Defense, defense, defense! The Eagles got a big-time performance from their much-maligned defense. They held New Orleans’ prolific offense to 219 yards of total offense (130 passing, 89 rushing). They continued to bend a little, but they didn’t break, and with the game on the line, Reed Blankenship sealed the win with a diving interception of Saints QB Derek Carr on the game’s final drive.
Honorable mention:
-Despite the two turnovers, which included a fumble and interception, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts got the job done. He completed 29-of-38 passes for 311 yards and interception. With the game on the line, he led the Eagles on a five-play, 69-yard game-winning drive. This was Hurts’ 10th-career game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime.
-Eagles defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter were active on Sunday. Davis got his first full sack since Week 2 of last season, and Carter lived in the Saints backfield as he had two tackles for loss.
End of the Day:
The Eagles got another quality win on Sunday, but it wasn’t all that pretty. They have to clean up the turnovers. For the third straight week, the Eagles lost the turnover battle. That’s not sustainable, and for the eighth consecutive game, Hurts turned the ball over. Again, not sustainable.
Furthermore, Nick Sirianni has to do better on fourth down. I love his aggression, but he was overly aggressive today, especially right before the half when he decided to go for it at the Saints’ 15-yard line with 14 seconds left in the first half. At that point, the Saints led 3-0; it made no sense to go for it.
If they get it, Philadelphia would have to take their final timeout. At that point, the odds are against them scoring a touchdown. Ultimately, they got stuffed on fourth down.
They should have just kicked the field goal and went into the break tied at 3.
In the fourth quarter, with the Eagles leading 7-6, Philadelphia decided to attempt a 60-yard field goal, and Jake Elliott’s kick was not even close. In that instance, you punt the ball.
Both of these decisions almost cost Philadelphia the game.
Injuries:
Britain Covey(shoulder), DeVonta Smith(concussion), and Lane Johnson(concussion) all left the game and did not return.
Next up:
The Eagles travel to Tampa Bay to battle the Buccaneers next Sunday.
