EAGLES WIN! EAGLES WIN! EAGLES WIN! I AM STUNNED! The Eagles pull off the HUGE UPSET in a win over the 10 win Saints, who were on a 9 game win streak after starting the season 1-2. Jalen Hurts played relatively well, especially for his first career NFL start against one of the top defenses in the NFL. Doug Pederson finally called an EFFICIENT GAME on offense while the defense controlled a run-first Saints offense with Taysom Hill at QB.
Offense/Defense
This was the first time all season the entire team on both sides of the ball played well simultaneously. In games like Pittsburgh and Baltimore, the offense played really well while the defense failed tremendously. In games like Washington in Week 1, the Eagles offense outgained Washington by nearly 100 yards, but had too many turnovers that allowed Washington to score with a short field. If the Eagles can sustain this level of play, they could potentially win out. Wins against Arizona, Dallas, and Washington would give the Eagles a 7-8-1 record. In the best case scenario, this could be able to net Philadelphia another NFC East title and their 4th straight playoff berth. I have one thing to say about Doug Pederson: THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU RUN THE FOOTBALL! I have been waiting for this all season, and he still could have ran it more. Jalen Hurts did not need to throw 30 times in his first career NFL start, yet he did. He still played well considering his workload and the offensive playcalling.
Jalen Hurts and the QB Dilemma
This game raised questions about Carson Wentz, and may have even exposed him. The Eagles allowed ZERO…that’s right, ZERO sacks. Obviously, Hurts has an increased ability to be mobile and move around in the pocket, which helps the offensive line. At the same time, Hurts did everything Wentz has not all season long. Despite one fumble late, Hurts took care of the football and he was decisive with it. Receivers got open, the run game flourished, and Hurts made all the right plays. His best play of the game may have been his 4th-and-2 touchdown to Alshon Jeffery. Facing the blitz, Hurts stepped up in the pocket and made a HUGE back shoulder throw to Alshon Jeffery while getting hit. That throw may have very well set the tone for the rest of the game. How good was Hurts? Hurts was the first player in 70 YEARS to throw for at least 150 passing yards, throw for a touchdown, and rush for at least 100 yards in their debut. He also became the first QB to win their first game against a team on at least a 9 game win streak since Ron Jaworski in the late 1960’s. Hurts played an extremely good game and if he keeps it up, the Eagles may have themselves a QB controversy this offseason.
Summary
Hurts played well, the defense played well, and Doug Pederson called a near perfect game. The aggression offensively to constantly go for it on 4th down proved pivotal in determining the game and was reminiscent of the Eagles of old. With that being said, the Eagles unfortunately took a massive hit in the secondary. Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox, AND Rodney McLeod Jr all left the game with injuries. Those are the Eagles three best defensive backs and hopefully they will be able to play. Slay is needed in order to somewhat limit DeAndre Hopkins in week 15 and K’Von Wallace will have to step up for McLeod, who suffered a season ending Torn ACL in the win. The status of Slay and Maddox is currently up in the air, but my assumption would be that they play this week. This week’s matchup with Arizona will be huge in determining the rest of this season and maybe even the future of the franchise. It could determine an offseason that already looks as if there will be potential overhauls at QB, Head Coach, and potentially General Manager. Expect the Eagles to play a close, hard fought game with a Kyler Murray led offensive attack in Arizona with the season and maybe even some jobs on the line.
Image: Bleed Green Nation
