With a 24-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings, the Eagles made a big statement in prime-time with their home opener at Lincoln Financial Field. Fans had plenty to cheer for as Jalen Hurts, Eagles quarterback, threw for 333 yards in 26-of-31 passing. His first 11 pass attempts were successful, setting a new career record. Hurts was able to connect on his first 11 pass attempts for a touchdown, a BOMB to Quez Watkins for 53 yards. He also had two rushing scores and another 57 yards.
After the Eagles took a 24-7 lead at halftime, the defense kept its word and held the Vikings scoreless for the second half. With two interceptions and five passes breakups, cornerback Darius Slay was the NFC Defensive Player-of-the Week. He also kept Justin Jefferson, the Vikings’ wide receiver, in check. The defense forced three turnovers, all Kirk Cousins interceptions. Now the Eagles are at 2-0 and will host their first NFC East matchup in Washington on Sunday. Here’s how it went:
* The Eagles won the opening kickoff, and marched 82 yard in 11 plays. Jalen Hurts completed the drive by ripping through three Vikings defense players for a 3-yard touchdown run. This was his second of the season. DeVonta Smith catches his first pass of this season, a 5-yard gain on the first play at scrimmage. A.J. Brown’s third-and-13 pass was the key play on this drive. Brown was his first reception at Lincoln Financial Field as an Eagle. He gained 19 yards to the Minnesota 10-yard line. Hurts went 5-for-5 for 63 yard with four completions to different receivers. Miles Sanders added 14 yards to the ground on two carries. With 9:09 left in the first quarter, Eagles lead 7-0.
Highlight: Jalen HUTTS’ keeper on the read option goes for a 3-yard TD
* The Eagles finished the first quarter at 7-0. Two punts were made by the defense. On the Vikings’ initial drive, Darius Slay stopped a pass meant for Justin Jefferson. James Bradberry then denied Irv Cross a pass to close end. This ended the second drive. In the first quarter, the Vikings only managed 10 yards of offense.
* WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW! Jalen Hurts drove deep to Quez Watkins. He pushed the entire Minnesota defense to score a 53-yard touchdown that extended the Eagles’ lead at 14-0 with just 14:52 remaining in the first period. Hurts was 10-of-10 for the 154 yard and a touchdown.
Highlight: Jalen Hurts dials Quez Watkins’ launch codes for 53-yard TD
* The Vikings respond to the Watkins’s call with a nine-play 75-yard touchdown drive. Two third-down conversions were made by the Vikings: a third and 1 with Jalen Reagor’s end around for 17 yards, followed by a third and 6 with K.J.’s pass. Osborne rushed for 15 yards. To get Minnesota on the scoreboard, tight end Irv Smith caught Kirk Cousins’ 2-yard touchdown pass.
* Jalen Hurts completed 11 of his first passes. With 7:08 remaining in the first period, the Vikings scored their first touchdown with a well-placed pass to Dallas Goedert.
* The Eagles take the lead at 1:58 in the second half with a 26-yard touchdown run from Jalen Hurts. Back-to-back DeVonta Smith passes gained 19 and 16 yards respectively. Boston Scott ran up to the middle two plays later for a gain 16 yards, and Miles Sanders added 9 yards to the ground just before the scoring play. Eagles lead 21-7.
* The Eagles used a similar end-of-half drive in Detroit to make it 24-7 at intermission. Jalen Hurts, pinned at their 5-yard line and on a planned run, opened the game with a 9 yard gain. The Eagles faced a third-and-6 after converting the first down. When the Vikings called timeout, Jalen Hurts made a 9-yard gain on a designed run. After Hurts’ DeVonta Smith touchdown, the Eagles were facing a third-and-6 situation. The Vikings called timeout.
* Jalen Hurts ended the first half with 251 yards passing on 17-of-20 attempts. He also had 50 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Dallas Goedert is the leader in pass catchers, with 64 yards. Quez Watkins (69 yard) and DeVontaSmith (64) are close behind.
SECOND HALF
* The promising Vikings drive was stopped by Darius Slay’s first intercept of the year on a Kirk Cousins pass meant for Justin Jefferson. Slay has been following Jefferson for large portions of the night. Before the Eagles’ interception at goal line, the Vikings were at the Eagles 19-yard line.
Highlight: Justin Jefferson’s route is completed by Darius Slay for him to get into the red zone INT
* The Eagles had the opportunity to add three more points after the turnover but the Vikings stopped the 41-yard Jake Elliott attempt. Minnesota returned the ball to Patrick Peterson’s 30-yard line. Two touchdowns by A.J. put the Eagles in scoring position. Brown, who rushed for 23 yards and 12 yards, respectively.
* After the blocked field goal, the defense took it away once more. Avonte maddox intercepted Kirk Cousins third-and-7 attempt at Adam Thielen. This was his first pick of this season. Maddox returned the ball to the Eagles’ line at 15 yards.
* The Eagles have been playing defense in the second half. Fletcher Cox made a play for the Eagles with a sack, and forced fumble. The Vikings were able to stop a drive and give them the ball back with only 8:18 remaining.
* The Vikings force an error as Kenneth Gainwell can’t catch the pass from Jalen Hurts on an angle or Texas route. It was intercepted and returned by Jordan Hicks, a former Eagle. It was returned 19 yard to the Eagles’ 9 yard line.
* SLAY SLAY! With 7:07 remaining, the Pro Bowl cornerback recorded his second interception in the end zone. It was a pass meant for Justin Jefferson.
* The Vikings went 1-for-4 in red zone. Defensive end Josh Sweat finished the night with a sack on quarterback Kirk Cousins. It was a third-and goal from the Eagles’ 11,-yard line. This resulted in a 7-yard loss.
