The Philadelphia Eagles secured a narrow 15-12 victory over the New Orleans Saints, but the win came with numerous concerns. This triumph marked the Eagles’ second win of the season, despite a performance that had more drawbacks than highlights.
Key takeaways from the game include the following:
1. Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert Were Key Players
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni faced criticism for his coaching decisions during the match. Quarterback Jalen Hurts struggled, throwing an interception in the end zone and losing a fumble. With several key offensive players sidelined, it was Barkley and Goedert who propelled the Eagles to victory. Barkley rushed for 147 yards, scoring the game-winning touchdown and a vital two-point conversion, including a remarkable 65-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Goedert stood out with 10 catches for 170 yards, playing a crucial role during the game-winning drive.
2. Risky Decisions Can Backfire
The Eagles had a scoreless first half, partly due to failing to convert on a fourth-and-short deep in Saints territory. While aggressive fourth-down attempts have generally been successful under Sirianni, in this instance, the risk outweighed the potential reward. With injuries affecting the offensive lineup, including the absence of A.J. Brown, the team might have been better served taking points to tie the game rather than gambling on fourth down.
3. Defensive Improvements Were Notable
Despite a shaky start to the season, the Eagles’ defense showed signs of improvement, particularly against a Saints team that had scored 91 points in its first two games. The defense held the Saints to just 12 points, marking a significant achievement. Standout defensive performances came from Jordan Davis, Zack Baun with 13 tackles, and Jalen Carter with multiple impactful plays.
4. Commentary Team Earns Praise
The broadcast team of Joe Davis and Greg Olsen received positive remarks for their game commentary. Fans enjoyed their insightful commentary throughout the Eagles-Saints matchup. Although regarded as FOX’s No. 2 NFL booth, their performance demonstrated a strong capability of being among the top broadcasting teams in the league.
5. Offensive Depth Issues For Upcoming Games
The Eagles may face significant challenges moving forward, especially with concerns regarding player health. A.J. Brown left the field due to a hamstring issue, while right tackle Lane Johnson suffered a concussion. Other key players, including wide receiver Britain Covey and right guard Mekhi Becton, dealt with injuries that limited their contributions in the second half. If Brown is unavailable for the next game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Eagles’ offensive options may become severely limited.