By: Kylan Watson
The Philadelphia Eagles were looking for a spark and a complete game performance from all phases of the game. As they headed into today’s primetime match-up against the New Orleans Saints. Their prayers were answered as they finally got a complete game performance, and Doug Pederson rediscovered the run game. They rode these developments to a 24-21 victory over the Saints.
Early in the game it looked good for the Eagles, Jalen Hurts didn’t play like a rookie in the early drive. As he used his legs to get out of trouble and found Alshon Jeffrey in the end zone to cap the drive off. The Eagles had a 7-0 lead in the second quarter. Hurts had a good showing in his debut game he completed 17/30 passes for 167 yards, completed one touchdown pass, and rushed for 108 yards. Hurts is the second player to rush for over 100 yards in his debut game, the other being Lamar Jackson.
On Hurts, “He played awesome, man,” said running back Miles Sanders.
The offense was able to finally have a complete game performance, and it was thanks to some good play by the offensive line who did not give up a sack in this game, for the second time all year. Additionally, they finally ran the ball and had some balance in the offense. The Eagles gained 246 rushing yards. Having balance in the offense really stopped the Saints from blitzing and putting pressure on Hurts. He did have one blemish which was a late game fumble which allowed the Saints to get back in the game.
The Saints looked very sluggish during the game. They just were not able to put together a solid offensive performance against the Eagles until late in the game. Once the injury bug started biting the secondary of the Eagles. Hill was able to find open receivers and connect with Emanuel Sanders late in the game to make it a little closer. However, the Eagles were able to force Hill to fumble on a late drive that allowed them to put the game away late.
On the win, “This win today is not about one guy. This win is about this team and how resilient this team is,” said Doug Pederson.
The Eagles now are 4-8-1 heading into a make or break game next week against the Arizona Cardinals. Both teams need this game to cement their chances at the playoffs. They will need to put together another complete game performance if they want to put down another hungry team.
