Eagles’ Offensive Miscues Lead to 3-0 Halftime Deficit to Saints
Though the defense is surprisingly shutting down the record-setting offense of the New Orleans Saints, Jalen Hurts has committed two costly turnovers and Saquon Barkley was snuffed a 4th-and-1 in the Red Zone as the Philadelphia Eagles trail, 3-0, at the Caesar's Superdome.
Coming off the heartbreaking loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night, the Eagles twice had chances to score but squandered both with Hurts miscues. Behind a 43-yard completion to Dallas Goedert, Philly moved to the New Orleans' 11-yard line. But Hurts' throw to DeVonta Smith late and intercepted in the end zone by Tyrann Mathieu.
On the next possession Hurts was flushed from the pocket to his left, but was tripped from behind and fumbled at New Orleans' 47.
Just before halftime the Eagles again drove, but Barkley was stopped for no gain on a handoff when Philly lined up for its trademark "Tush Push." The Eagles trail despite rolling up 191 yards to New Orleans' paltry 71.
Barkley hasn't been a factor yet, held to only 24 yards on eight touches.
Related: Eagles or Cowboys: Who Needs 'Must Win' More? NFC East TrackerPowered by a consistent interior push from Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, the Eagles' defense has held the Saints' high-powered offense in check. New Orleans laid 44 points on the Cowboys in Dallas last weekend, but have managed only a 34-yard field goal by Blake Grupe. Davis had a sack of Derek Carr as Philly forced Saints' punts on three consecutive possessions.
Already missing leading receiver A.J. Brown, the Eagles are dealing with more injury concerns as starting right tackle left the game and walked gingerly to the locker room in the second quarter.
This story was originally published September 22, 2024, 11:23 AM.
