The Eagles defeated the Lions in their first regular season matchup of the 2022 NFL season 38-35, in a high scoring action packed game. Offensively the Eagles didn’t have much of a problem throwing or running the football. Jalen Hurts completed 18 of 32 passes for 243 yards along with 90 yards rushing and a touchdown.
A.J. Brown was targeted 13 times for 10 receptions and 155 yards receiving which is the most ever by a non-rookie making his debut for the Eagles. Miles Sanders was the leading rusher for the Eagles with 13 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown. Running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott had a rushing touchdown as well. The Eagles four rushing touchdowns is the most in a game since Oct. 22, 1961.
The team’s defense however did not look so good other than the James Bradberry pick six. With 10:21 left to go in the third quarter the Eagles led 31-14 and then were outscored 21-7 the rest of the game. Jalen Hurts luckily helped hold off the Lions from winning this game after a fourth-and-1 run with 1:06 left to go in the game. The Lions scored five total touchdowns on offense, three of them coming on the ground and two in the air. D’Andre Swift was a force to be reckoned with rushing for 144 yards on 15 attempts and a touchdown. T
he Eagles defense allowed 215 yards passing and 181 yards rushing facing an injured Lions offensive line. Jared Goff was only sacked one time throughout the game. The Lions offense went 9 of 14 on third down in the loss. Should the Eagles be worried about their defense headed into their matchup with the Vikings at home despite all the talent they acquired over the off-season?
Yes, I would be worried because the Vikings are coming off a great game against the Green Bay Packers where the Vikings defense shut down Aaron Rodgers sacking him four times, intercepting him once and forced and recovered a fumble. The Vikings won 23-7 off Justin Jefferson’s spectacular game hanging 184 yards and two touchdowns on the Packers secondary. On the ground Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison combined for 126 yards.
In order for the Eagles to win their Week 2 matchup on Monday night from a defensive stand point they’re going to have to pressure Kirk Cousins to force bad throws and limit Jefferson from dominating the secondary. They also have to be on their heels ready for the Vikings to run the football with their dual-threat running backs Cook and Mattison.
Up Next
The Eagles are set to face the Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field Monday Sep. 19, at 8:30 pm ET and will be aired on ABC.
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