This was a huge win today for the Eagles and the importance of it couldn’t be overemphasized. It wasn’t pretty but the 24-17 victory will take pressure off this football team.
The Eagles won the turnover battle against at Jet team that came into the game having forced five turnovers in each of their first two games. Today the Eagles turned the tables on New York by forcing them into four turnovers and surrendering only one. It wound up being the difference in the game.
People from all over the country were throwing dirt on them, but they came out fighting.
One of the stars of the game for the Eagles was running back and punt returner, Darren Sproles, who made an amazing 89-yard punt return, where he was touched by at least five members of the Jets punt coverage team. This return gave the Birds a 10-0 lead and gave the team some confidence.
Sproles also ran from scrimmage for another touchdown. He ran the ball 11 times for 17 yards. He had some good runs, but he also was tackled for big losses when the blocking led penetrators come through the line.
The Eagles also got a great effort from backup running back Ryan Mathews. On his first carry, the blocking wasn’t very good on the play, but Mathews with his outstanding lower body strength, ran through some arm tackles. It got things going and took pressure off of Sam Bradford and the Eagles passing game.
Mathews did an outstanding job of running with the football today. He showed power and explosiveness in either cutting the run up inside and running through tackles or taking it outside and outrunning the defense around the corner. He carried the ball 25 times for 108 yards. He also caught two passes for 20 yards and one of them was for a touchdown.
The Eagles offensive line played much better today, even though they still must continue to improve. Numerous times the Jets were getting penetration into the backfield as Birds running backs were heading toward the hole.
Rookie linebacker Jordan Hicks had quite a day as he recovered a fumble, intercepted a pass, recorded a sack. Brandon Bair who took over for Cedrick Thornton, who was out with a broken finger, knocked down three of Ryan Fitzpatrick’s passes and one of them was picked off by Hicks.
The Eagles continue to get outstanding safety play from Walter Thurmond and Malcolm Jenkins. Thurmond picked off a pass late in the game to put the game away. Jenkins played well and made some big tackles. Both of them seem to be aggressive and sure about what they’re doing.
I know the Eagles would have to be very pleased with the performance of rookie cornerback Eric Rowe, who battled Jets rookie wide receiver Devin Smith. Rowe picked off a Fitzpatrick pass in the end zone as he ran stride for stride with Smith on a go route down the sidelines. Prior to the interception, Rowe had knocked down a pass intended for Smith.
Ryan Matthews, Sproles, should be the featuring backs going into the future. They just fit what Chip is trying to do with the short quick routes to the RBs along with the wheel routes and east to west running play style. Bring in Demarco every now and again to keep the opposition guessing.
Don’t get me wrong, Demarco can be very good in this offense, and the controversy with who should start at RB will be overplayed, I can already see it now. Eagles Oline stepped up BIG today against the best defense we will probably play all season. Top 2 atleast
Bradford SUCKS, what is Chip Kelly talking about when he said he did well. At this point it’s very hard to see the Eagles going anywhere with this guy at QB. Thank God the D is coming along. Hopefully this team can play two half’s next week.
Im gonna say 1 thing there is only one dominate team in nfl and thats the patriots everyone looks beatable to me…….the nfl looks very avg right now
As it usually does for the first few week as many Teams/Players round into Football Shape ..the Constant is the preparation and game plans which Belecheck does better than anyone else…
NFC
Packers, Cardinals & Seahawks are all solid Teams
Improved Teams like the Falcons, Panthers & Vikings will all make noise and are legitimate Teams
Teams like the Eagles,Giants,Redskins,Lions,Rams, Saints are still trying to find their identity
The TB Bucs, 49ers & Bears are rebuilding
The Cowboys with no Romo/Bryant will struggle to remain above .500 until Romo returns..
A Win next week over the Redskins puts the Eagles at 2-2 and 1-2 in NFC Conference Play..
I think offensively we are still finding out groove. We aren’t there yet as you could see in the second half. Next week should be Bradfords coming out party. I believe he needed to get this feet under him. I don’t really think it’s all on him. If you watch the game our receivers are not getting open deep at all. There’s just explosion. That’s not Bradfords fault. Why throw it deep if your man is blanketed.
We must continue to run the ball to setup the deep passes.
Nice showing defensively it seems Chip slowed down a bit. That’s good