The Philadelphia Eagles secured a narrow 15-12 victory over the New Orleans Saints, but the game raised several concerns about their performance. Although they managed to win in a challenging environment, there were more negatives than positives to analyze.
Here are five key takeaways from the Eagles’ second win of the season.
1. Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert Came Through
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni faced criticism for his coaching decisions during Sunday’s game. Quarterback Jalen Hurts struggled with an interception in the end zone and lost a fumble. However, Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert stepped up to lead the team to victory. Barkley rushed for 147 yards, including a vital touchdown and a two-point conversion. His 65-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter proved pivotal. Goedert was also a standout, catching 10 passes for 170 yards and being the main target during the crucial game-winning drive.
2. Questionable Risk-Taking
The Eagles had a challenging first half, going scoreless after failing to convert on a crucial fourth down deep in Saints territory. Instead of taking the points to tie the game, Sirianni opted for aggressive play-calling which backfired. On another occasion, Hurts took a sack rather than attempting a makeable field goal. The Eagles’ decision-making and risk-taking in critical moments came under examination, especially with key players missing from the lineup.
3. Defensive Silver Linings
Despite the Saints scoring a total of 91 points in their previous two games, the Eagles’ defense held them to just 12 points. Jordan Davis recorded the only sack, while Zack Baun led with 13 tackles. Jalen Carter made significant contributions, demonstrating flashes of his potential with two tackles for loss. Overall, the defense’s strong performance against a high-scoring opponent was a bright spot in the game.
4. Impressive Broadcasting Duo
Many fans enjoyed the commentary provided by Joe Davis and Greg Olsen during the game. This broadcast team, coupled with sideline reporter Pam Oliver, was well-received, showcasing Olsen’s expertise and ability to provide valuable insights. Fans appreciated the professionalism and insights offered by the team, highlighting Olsen’s stature among NFL analysts.
5. Concerns for the Next Game
The Eagles may face significant challenges moving into Week 4. Key injuries plagued the team during the game, including a concussion for right tackle Lane Johnson and a concerning hit on wide receiver DeVonta Smith. If A.J. Brown does not recover in time from his hamstring injury, the Eagles’ offensive lineup could be heavily impacted against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, potentially leaving Hurts without vital offensive support.