The fans show up on the road for the Eagles every week. They deserved a better product on the field in New Orleans during the first three quarters but were treated with a fantastic fourth!
The Saints came into the game scoring over 40 points in each of their first 2 games. They didn’t muster anything against the Eagle’s defense until late in the game when they went up 12–7.
The Eagles answered with an exciting touchdown drive, including a 61-yard reception to Dallas Goedert and an interception by Reed Blankenship to end the game!
The Eagles found a way to win with less than 2 minutes left, but this is one of those games that should be flushed and moved on from.
Eagles Offense
Nick Siranni’s aggressive playcalling was a bit curious with the right side of the o-line out with injury and in a low-scoring-three-point affair. Nick stated he called the failed 4th and 1 fake Brotherly shove call.
Lane Johnson was sick and vomiting much of the pre-game and left later in the 2nd quarter after sustaining a concussion and was ruled out for the rest of the game.
Mekhi Becton exited off the field in pain with a left arm injury and did not return.
The offensive line lost their right guard and right tackle which challenged the line. Tyler Steen and Fred Johnson responded well. The value that O-line coach Jeff Stoutland brings to the Eagles is immeasurable.
The offense moved the ball well in the first half but struggled to finish drives. The Eagles had 191 yards and zero points at halftime.
Jalen Hurts is still vulnerable when flushed to the left. He has trouble feeling the pressure from behind as well. Hurts has to improve in protecting the ball. His legs are still very effective. He is healthier than last year, and his mobility is much improved.
DeVonta Smith got bodied in the endzone, which resulted in an interception. Hurts threw it up the same way he would have Goedert or Brown. Smith was asked to do something there that goes against his strength. Smitty is the go-to receiver on 3rd downs and in the red zone with AJ out.
DeVonta took a brutal hit in the second half and became the second player on the Eagles to sustain a concussion on the day.
Kellen Moore’s play call in the endzone to DeVonta Smith, which resulted in a turnover, is more on Kellen than Jalen. That play design is for a bigger body. Dallas Goedert, AJ Brown, or even Johnny Wilson should have been the target of that play call.
Britain Covey injured his shoulder. The fear of using him so much in the passing game was him getting hurt. Losing such a reliable punt returner is a big loss. He missed the rest of the game.
Johnny Wilson’s first NFL catch was good for a 9-yard first down play.
Saquon Barkley did not get a carry in the first quarter and only had five for 17 yards in the first half. That was far too conservative. The second half was a different story. He finished the game with 17 rushes for 147 yards and two TDs. Saquon had gone five years since being clocked as fast as he was on his 65-yard TD run. It was also his longest TD run in 5 seasons.
Jahan Dotson is still missing in action as a member of the Eagles offense but played a key role in that 61-yard reception by Dallas Goedert. Dotson slid between two of the Saints’ defensive players which led to the collision that freed up Goedert.
Parris Campbell had his first reception as an Eagle.
Dallas Goedert hauled in a beautiful 44-yard reception and had seven catches for 80 yards in the first half. He added a 61-yard reception in the second half to finish the game with 10 receptions for 170 yards.
Eagles Defense
Over the first two weeks of the season, the Eagles missed 25 tackles. They only missed 3 tackles versus the Saints per Next-Gen stats.
Jalen Carter was constantly double-teamed and broke through to wreak havoc often, including two passes batted down in the first half. This was the best game from Carter of the year and since mid-2023. Jalen finished the game with 3 pressures, 1 QB hit, and 2 passes batted down. He could be an all-pro if he plays at this level every week. The talent is there.
Jordan Davis had a big sack early in the game.
Josh Sweat had his best game of the young season and led the defense with 4 pressures.
When Thomas Booker is on the field, he makes his presence known.
Bryce Huff is struggling. They need a lot more from their 51 million dollar man.
Zack Baun, once again, led the team in tackles. He had 13.
Nakobe Dean was very active and effective downhill. He finished the game with 8 tackles including a TFL.
Big Play Slay had a good game. He was injured late in the contest when the Saint’s OL took him over 5 yards off the sideline. The Saints were penalized. He said he was good after the game.
Quinyon Mitchell showed once again why he was a first-round pick.
Milton Williams is earning more money every week. He had a beautiful TFL vs Kamara early in the game, which set the tone for how the Eagles would play the run.
As always, Thank you for reading.
Follow me on X @PHLEagleNews
REUTERS/Carla Carniel
