By: Kylan Watson
The Philadelphia Eagles played the New York Jets in their opening preseason game of the 2022-2023 NFL season tonight. It was a rough game filled with fireworks on all sides of the ball. The Jets were able to outlast Philadelphia 24-21.
The Eagles started the game off fast with their starters. As Jalen Hurts showed command of the offense as he led the Eagles on an 80-yard drive that led to a Dallas Goedert touchdown pass. He was six-for-six during this drive. Hurts got rid of the ball very quickly and was able to find his receivers in the open spots of the defense. He had a good showing in his first preseason game. Nick Sirianni stuck true to his word as the starters only played one series, but they looked dominant on the offensive side. Hurts clearly has benefitted from being the number one guy and his off-season work showed up throughout this opening series. If he can take full advantage of what the defense is giving him, the Eagles offense will be deadly throughout this season.
On the team’s commitment to Hurts, “He’s our qb, right- as offensive coach you get close with your qb- spend more time with him than any other player so he’s the one guy- my son and I have a handshake and he and Jalen have the same handshake- look forward to continuing to working with him,” said Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni.
On the defensive side the Eagles depth was clearly too much for the Jets. The money the Eagles spent on this side was very apparent. As their investment in the linebacking core came to fruition. As Kyzir White picked-off Zack Wilson and set the Eagles up for their second touchdown of the night. The rookies also had a good showing as Nakobe Dean and Jordan Davis both were able to make some key tackles and blew up the offensive plans of the Jets.
On his first interception as an Eagle, “Oh man, everything, man. First game. Getting my feet wet. Family and friends in attendance. I always want to put a show on. It felt good. It’s definitely a good start for me, but I’ve got to keep getting better each and every day,” said White.
It is the first preseason game, but the Eagles had a lot of positives throughout this game. When the starters were in, they dominated the Jets in all phases of the game. With two more preseason games left before the season starts, they will continue to get better. As they prepare for their opening game against the Detroit Lions. Philly will need to make sure that they use these next two games to work out the kinks in their offensive and defensive schemes.
The Eagles are one of the betting favorites to win the NFC East (+185), and all of their success will depend on the development of Hurts. If today is any indication Hurts has clearly improved as a passer and that makes Philly a dangerous team.
