Eagles Make Strong First Impression
During the preseason, the Green Bay Packers were getting a lot of attention as a potential Super Bowl participant for the NFC. And while that could occur, where does that leave the Eagles?
The Eagles didn’t play their best game, but it was good enough to open with a 34-29 win over the Packers in Brazil. Here are some observations of the Eagles’ opening win.
Hurts gutted through some tough times
Jalen Hurts threw an early interception and another later in the game as the Eagles were ready to score, but the team overcame those miscues. As we saw, Hurts doesn’t have to be Superman for the Eagles to win because of all the offensive weapons. He will need to cut down on mistakes.
Kellen Moore’s offense looked strong
Moore, the Eagles first-year offensive coordinator, did a great job scheming, getting players open in space. Three players had four or more receptions and Hurts did a good job spreading the ball around. Opposing teams can’t load up on stopping one player, because several can make big plays. The Eagles can lay claim to having the best duo of receivers in A.J. Brown (5 receptions, 119 yards and 1 TD) and Devonta Smith (7 receptions, 84 yards).
Saquon Barkley, a difference maker
Before the season, there was conjecture that Barkley would struggle to get 20 touches a game because of all the Eagles offensive weapons. Well, Barkley had 26 touches in the opener. He rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries and had two receptions for 23 yards and a score. His touchdown reception was a mismatch, with Barkley going deep against a linebacker, a great scheme by Moore. The Eagles have had solid running back play the past few seasons, but Barkley takes it up a serious notch.
Zach Baun with an impressive Eagles debut
Baun was the Eagles best defensive player against the Packers. He had 15 tackles, two sacks and two quarterback hits. The Eagles have not always been strong at linebacker, but Baum could change that perception. His teammates seemed to feed off the energy he provided in what was a sterling debut.
Good start for the first-round pick
Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, the first round draft choice from Toledo, had a strong debut. Mitchell had five tackles, including four solos and had two passes defensed. He showed extreme confidence and didn’t mind giving a piece of his mind to the Packers receivers. He wasn’t perfect in the evening, but his willingness to challenge receivers and to tackle should be a welcome addition to the defense.
Lousy field
Didn’t the field in Brazil remind one of the Super Bowl field when the Eagles lost 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs? Players were slipping all evening in Friday’s opener. We know it’s a converted soccer field, but it was inexcusable that so many players on both teams were slipping and sliding. The NFL has to do a better job of making sure a field is safe to play on. It was a black mark in the aforementioned Super Bowl and not much better in Brazil.
Up next
The Eagles get an extended break as they don’t return to action until hosting the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Sept. 16. Atlanta, picked by many to be a playoff team, opened with an uninspiring 18-10 home loss to Pittsburgh. New Falcons QB Kirk Cousins, who has a history of struggling in prime time games, had a rough Atlanta debut. He completed 16-of-26 for 155 yards, one TD and two interceptions. That produced just a 59.0 passer rating. This game should be slightly easier for the Eagles to win than their opener against Green Bay. The key will be limiting the Falcons ground game.
Photo Courtesy of Eagles X/Twitter
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Author: Marc Narducci
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