The Philadelphia Eagles survived several self-inflicted wounds and escaped with a 15-12 victory over the New Orleans Saints. After many questioned Philadelphia’s defense following Week 2, they were the team’s only consistent unit on Sunday.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts started the game with a pair of mind-numbing turnovers, while Nick Sirianni continued to make questionable decisions. Regardless of their errors, the Eagles managed to get a much-needed win and improve to 2-1.
Here are five observations from Sunday afternoon’s matchup in New Orleans.
Vic Fangio’s Defense Responds After Rough Start
After allowing a late game-winning touchdown drive in Week 2, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was heavily criticized. Through the first two weeks of the regular season, the Eagles allowed the most rushing yards per carry in the NFL (6.4).
Coming into this matchup, the Saints had the top-scoring offense in the NFL. New Orleans scored over 40 points in each of their first two games, and many expected the Saints to have their way with Fangio’s struggling defense.
GEAUX REED BLANKENSHIP GEAUX!@reedus99_reed | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/97W0gQDLm0
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 22, 2024
Yet Fangio and the Eagles heard all of the criticism and bounced back with a dominant showing in New Orleans. Fangio’s defense held the Saints to 12 points and 213 total yards of offense.
After using four-man defensive fronts through the first two weeks, Fangio utilized more five-man defensive fronts, and his adjustment paid off. The Eagles allowed the Saints to gain just 89 rushing yards, allowing just 3.1 yards per carry.
Eagles safety Reed Blankenship sealed the victory with a game-winning interception with 48 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Dallas Goedert Steps Up When Needed Most
Many expected Dallas Goedert to step up in Week 2 once A.J. Brown was ruled out. Yet Goedert’s usage was confusing, as he was targeted just four times against the Falcons.
After hauling in just seven receptions for 69 yards through the first two games of the regular season, Goedert rose to the occasion for the Eagles in Week 3.
With Brown missing his second consecutive game and DeVonta Smith being ruled out due to a concussion, Hurts leaned heavily on Goedert. The 29-year-old tight end hauled in 10 receptions for 170 yards, including two catches over 40 yards each.
It was a career-best performance for Goedert, as he topped his previous career-highs in both receptions (9) and yards (135). The Eagles needed Goedert to step up, and he answered the call.
Jalen Hurts Struggles With Turnovers, Again
Jalen Hurts is now tied with two second-year quarterbacks, Will Levis and Anthony Richardson, for the league lead in turnovers, according to TruMedia. Hurts has six turnovers in just three games, despite being paid like one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL.
While many have made excuses for Hurts’ turnover struggles, his errors against the Saints were inexcusable. Hurts attempted to lead DeVonta Smith inside in the red zone, but Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu jumped the play and came away with an interception.
On Hurts’ second turnover of the game, he rolled to his left and was careless with the football. The Saints were able to knock it loose and recover the ball as Hurts’ struggles continue to start the regular season.
Nick Sirianni Continues To Make Questionable Decisions
Following Week 2’s disastrous loss, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was the main target of criticism. Sirianni made several questionable decisions late in the game against the Atlanta Falcons, which ultimately caused Philadelphia to lose the team’s home opener.
Sirianni continued to make questionable decisions against the Saints on Sunday. After failing to take the points in field goal range last week, Sirianni did exactly that twice against the Saints in Week 3.
The @NextGenStats model STRONGLY recommended a field goal attempt for the Eagles there on 4th down. +8.1% win probability to kick instead of going.
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) September 22, 2024
Benjamin Solak of ESPN highlighted Sirianni’s questionable decision to pass up on a field goal ahead of halftime, saying that the NextGen stats model strongly recommended a field goal attempt for the Eagles on fourth down, adding that there was a +8.1% win probability to kick instead of doing for it.
Just when it seemed like Sirianni’s decision-making couldn’t get any worse, he made another questionable choice in the fourth quarter against the Saints.
After electing to not kick a field goal earlier in the game, Sirianni sent out Jake Elliott to attempt a 60-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Elliott missed and Philadelphia surrendered great field position to the Saints at a crucial point in the game.
Eagles Bit by Injury Bug in New Orleans
Although the Eagles escaped New Orleans with a victory, several key players were bit by the injury bug in Week 3. The Eagles lost four offensive starters throughout the game against the Saints.
Both Lane Johnson and DeVonta Smith were ruled out due to concussions. Britain Covey, who was elevated to WR3 with Brown out, was ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Lastly, Mekhi Becton left the game due to a finger injury and never returned.
With the much-needed bye week quickly approaching in Week 5, the Eagles need all of the help that they can get. Philadelphia managed to beat one of the hottest teams in the NFL without five offensive starters, but that formula likely isn’t sustainable.