The Philadelphia Eagles put on a show in their primetime home opener, handedly beating the Vikings 24-7.
First Half
This game was a tale of two halves, the first highlighted by offensive prowess while the second featured Eagles defensive domination. The Eagles started the game with an 11-play drive ending in a Jalen Hurts rushing touchdown. This drive featured a good mix of run and pass, a balance which would be maintained throughout the entire game.
After a few series ending in punts, the Eagles would strike again, this time with a 53-yard dart to a wide open Quez Watkins for six. Watkins, a third-year receiver out of Southern Miss, is known for being a great deep threat with top level speed but has struggled to put up numbers in offenses with questionable quarterback play. This game gave us a small glimpse of what could be to come with Watkins.
The following drive saw Minnesota’s lone touchdown of the night, a two-yard toss to tight end Irv Smith Jr. The Eagles’ defense thrived off of bend-don’t-break defense throughout the evening, but on this drive, they broke. The Vikings only converted on four third downs during the game, two of which came on this drive.
Just three drives later, Hurts would strike again, rushing for his second touchdown of the night. Despite improving as a passer, Hurts has still maintained a knack for power running, especially around the goal line. This was Hurts third rushing touchdown of the season compared to just one through the air.
To end the half, Hurts led the Eagles 75 yards down the field for an easy field goal. This was an excellent display of two-minute offense which saw a healthy mix of run and pass. Again, the Eagles were incredibly balanced offensively, something that wasn’t seen in 2021.
Second Half
The only offensive drive of note for the Eagles ended in a blocked field goal late in the third quarter. This drive lasted 11 plays and burnt over six and a half minutes off the clock.
The second half saw zero points from either team in what was a strong defensive showing for Philly. The Eagles recorded three interceptions, two by Darius Slay and all three of which took place deep in Eagles’ territory.
Other Eagles defenders to make note of are Avonte Maddox who recorded an interception, Josh Sweat who totaled a sack and three TFLs, and TJ Edwards who made ten tackles, a TFL, and had one pass breakup. Also worth noting is Vikings’ star receiver Justin Jefferson, who finished the game with just six catches for 48 yards. This was a much better performance by the Eagles defense than what was seen in week one versus Detroit.
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1 Comment
Great job, Kyle. Hope to see you and the family soon! What a game, right??!? Go Birds!🦅🦅