The Philadelphia Eagles managed to escape Week 3 with a much-needed victory over the scorching-hot New Orleans Saints. With under two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Philadelphia had just a 10.2% chance to win down in New Orleans.
Yet Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts connected with tight end Dallas Goedert for a 61-yard completion that completely changed the game. The Eagles used the big play to power their way to a 15-12 comeback victory on the road.
Here are five overreactions from Philadelphia’s resilient win over the Saints in Week 3.
Biggest Overreactions From Eagles vs. Saints
Eagles HC Nick Sirianni Is Coaching His Way out of Philadelphia
Although the Eagles improved to 2-1 and won another chaotic game, Nick Sirianni did everything possible to make things closer than they needed to be. After botching multiple late-game decisions in Week 2, Sirianni’s struggles continued against the Saints.
Early in the game, the Eagles had multiple chances to settle for a field goal and take the much-needed points. Except Sirianni continues to be aggressive at all of the wrong times, which almost cost the Eagles another victory in Week 3.
While the Eagles were ultimately able to overcome Sirianni’s questionable decisions, he needs to be better moving forward. Considering how well both Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio coached their respective units in New Orleans, Sirianni may have to worry about being replaced as head coach by one of his current coordinators in 2025.
Saquon Barkley Is the Best Running Back in the NFL
When the Eagles signed Saquon Barkley to a three-year, $37.75 million contract in free agency, many were skeptical of the decision. Running backs often decline around Age 27, and Barkley hit that milestone in February.
Barkley averaged just 3.9 yards per carry for the New York Giants last season, only heightening the concerns about his decline in 2024. Yet the star running back is off to an impressive start in Philadelphia, as he currently leads the NFL with 351 rushing yards.
While Christian McCaffrey has missed the start of the regular season, Barkley has reclaimed his former title as the best running back in the league.
He is certainly enjoying life behind Philadelphia’s dominant offensive line, as he is averaging 5.6 yards per carry and is on pace to shatter career highs in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Barkley reached a top speed of 21.66 MPH on his 65-yard touchdown run against the Saints, the fastest by a ball carrier on a running play in 2024.
SAQUON BARKLEY 65-YARD TOUCHDOWN.
📺: #PHIvsNO on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/830L0j9R8o— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024
Eagles Signing Bryce Huff Was an Absolute Failure
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has made plenty of great decisions in recent years. Yet signing Bryce Huff to a three-year, $51.1 million contract might prove to be Roseman’s biggest mistake in a long, long time.
After struggling through the first two weeks of the regular season, Philadelphia’s defense took a significant step forward in Week 3. One of the main reasons why the Eagles’ defense played better in New Orleans was that Huff played significantly less snaps.
Considering that the Eagles signed Huff to help fill the void created by Haason Reddick’s departure, it’s safe to say that he has failed to do so. In his first three games with the Eagles, Huff has recorded just one total tackle.
Zack Baun Emerging as One of the NFL’s Best Inside Linebackers
While Huff has struggled to start the regular season, one of Roseman’s other offseason additions along the defensive front has flourished. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio moved Zack Baun to inside linebacker, and he is thriving in his new role.
Baun is playing like one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL, as he dominated his former New Orleans team. After the first three weeks of the regular season, Baun is second in the NFL with 37 total tackles.
Among the top five players in total tackles, Baun is the only player with multiple sacks as well. While many were worried about Philadelphia’s lack of additions at linebacker in the offseason, Baun has quickly alleviated any of those concerns for the Eagles.
Dallas Goedert Is a Top-5 Tight End in the NFL
Many were confused by Goedert’s usage through the first two games of the regular season, as he recorded just seven receptions for 69 yards. Then Goedert stepped up with the best performance of his NFL career against the Saints in Week 3.
Goedert hauled in 10 receptions for 170 yards against one of the strongest defenses in the league. Goedert’s impressive performance included two receptions over 40 yards.
Following the first three weeks of the regular season, Goedert is the only tight end in the top 10 in receiving yards. Goedert has more receiving yards than star wide receivers such as CeeDee Lamb, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tyreek Hill.
While many of the NFL’s top tight ends have struggled to start the regular season, Goedert has cemented himself as one of the best at the position in 2024.