Jalen Hurts walked off the field after the Eagles’ season-opening victory, doubtful of what his offence can accomplish this season.
But he loves what he has to work with.
Hurts threw a touchdown pass and Darius Slay had a 70-yard interception return for a score as the Philadelphia Eagles jumped out to a huge early lead and held on to upset the New England Patriots 25-20 on Sunday.
The Eagles took advantage of two early Patriots mistakes, upsetting a day in which New England honoured former quarterback Tom Brady at halftime.
Following their Super Bowl victory, the Eagles hired in numerous new faces, including new offensive and defensive coordinators (Brian Johnson and Sean Desai). After Philly’s shaky start, Hurts said that establishing out this team’s identity would take more than one game.
“That’s something we’re navigating,” he said. “We’re going to keep growing.” And winning is always better.”
Hurts completed 22 of 33 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown but fumbled in the fourth quarter, giving the Patriots a chance. For Philadelphia, Jake Elliott made four field goals as the team failed to reach the end zone after the first quarter.
“Was it our cleanest chance?” No. “We have a lot to clean up,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “We didn’t finish some drives late in the game.”
Mac Jones of New England rebounded from a shaky start to finish 35 of 54 for 316 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. Kendrick Bourne scored two touchdown catches. Hunter Henry had the other touchdown reception for an offence that outgained the NFC champion Eagles 382-251.
Jones believed he could have done much more for New England, which failed to take the lead twice following defensive stops.
“I feel like I played my worst in the most crucial moments… I know I can do it.” Jones said, “I’ve done it before.” “I let down the defence, and I’ll have to live with that.”
With the score 25-14 late in the fourth quarter, New England pulled within 25-20 on Jones’ 11-yard touchdown throw to Bourne. A holding penalty negated Jones’ 2-point conversion run, and a second try was unsuccessful.
Hurts started the Eagles’ next drive with an 8-yard rush, but he fumbled after being hit by Jabrill Peppers. Marcus Jones recovered to put New England on the Philadelphia 41 with 3:28 left.
Jordan Davis and Josh Sweat’s second-down sacks helped the Eagles finish the Patriots’ drive. After that, Philadelphia struggled to move the ball, turning it over on downs at the New England 44 after Hurts’ throw to Smith was intercepted.
With 1:02 remaining, Jones’ 17-yard throw to Mike Gesicki moved the ball to the Patriots’ 19. Jones, though, couldn’t evade Jalen Carter on second down and was sacked.
Kayshon Boutte seemed to reel in a grab inside the 10 on fourth-and-11. However, a playback analysis revealed that he had just one foot inbounds.
In the summer, New England signed offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien to turn the page on a team that finished in the bottom half of the NFL in 2022.
The Patriots’ debut was hampered by offensive line injuries.
The Patriots started youngsters Antonio Mafi and Sidy Sow at left and right guard, respectively, with starters Cole Strange (knee) and Mike Onwenu (ankle) both out. The absences were noticed early on against an Eagles defensive line that consistently placed pressure on Jones.
The Patriots’ first five possessions ended in a pick-6, a fumble that led to another Eagles score, and three straight three-and-outs, giving Philadelphia a 16-0 lead.
However, the Eagles’ offence completed the half with four consecutive punts, allowing New England to narrow the margin to 16-14.
Philadelphia led 19-14 entering the fourth quarter and increased their lead to 22-14 when Elliott’s 48-yard field-goal attempt hit the left upright and went in.
“It’s fun getting to go out there and just earn it,” Elliott added. “I appreciate having all of these opportunities.” I’m sure it was a bit more fascinating than we had hoped. But that is what we are preparing for.”
INJURIES
Eagles: Linebacker Nakobe Dean was injured in the second half and was wearing a boot after the game. Fletcher Cox, a defensive lineman, was injured in the fourth quarter and had to leave the game.
ROOKIE WEIGHT
The Patriots dressed 11 of its rookie drafting class’s 12 players. The only exception was cornerback Isaiah Bolden, who is on injured reserve after suffering a head injury in New England’s second preseason game.
THE LONG GAME
Elliott converted from 56 and 51 yards, increasing his record mark to 21 kicks of 50 yards or more, including the playoffs.
UPCOMING WEEK
On Thursday night, the Eagles will host Minnesota.
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