5 Positive Eagles Takeaways From Week 2.
Before you delve into this article, check out the 5 Positive Eagles Takeaways From Week 1 article from last week.
Eagles starting quarterback Jalen Hurts always says this quote when the Eagles do not play their best game. He says “We left money on the table.”
This means they could have made way more plays than they did. This guy’s professionalism and leadership are amazing.
Last week, the Eagles pulled out a very ugly win against the New England Patriots at Gilette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. It was Tom Brady appreciation day and he was shown pre-game wearing his iconic #12 Patriots jersey trying to fire up the crowd. The Birds came out on fire when Darius Slay returned an interception for a touchdown. Then a play later, 2nd year Defensive Tackle Jordan Davis strips Ezekiel Elliot causing a fumble with the Eagles recovering in Patriots territory. That set up a Jalen Hurts precise throw to wide receiver Devonta Smith in the endzone for a beautiful touchdown.
The Eagles squandered that lead but ultimately won the game. Fast forward to last night.
The Eagles were missing a bunch of key starting players. Starting running back Kenny Gainwell, starting safety Reid Blankenship, starting cornerback James Bradberry, and starting middle linebacker Nakobe Dean all missed the game due to injury.
Luckily, the Eagles were home and playing the Minnesota Vikings which they have had a ton of success against in recent history. I mean we all remember the NFC Championship in 2017, right? The Eagles went out and put a smackdown on the Vikings that night. Last year it was week 2 again and the Eagles dominated the Vikings again. It seems like we have this team’s number. The Vikings are loaded with talent on the offensive side of the ball. Wide Reciever Justin Jefferson is an absolute stud and is going to set many records in his career.
The Birds won another ugly game but we are keeping it positive.
Here are 5 Positive Eagles Takeaways From Week 2:
D'Andre Swift
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
We have to start off with D’Andre Swift. In week 1, he barely touched the ball. With starting running back Kenny Gainwell out due to injury, the Eagles coaching staff relied heavily on D’Andre Swift. The Philly native carried the ball 28 times for 175 yards and a TD. He was definitely the biggest reason why the Birds won the game.
The Offensive Line
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
This was a bounceback game for the Eagles O-Line. They did not play very well in Week 1 but did they ever in Week 2. D’Andre Swift ran for 175, Boston Scott ran for 40, Jalen Hurts rushed for 35 with 2 TD’s, and Rashaad Penny ran for 9. They beat up the Vikings D-Line and had a total of 259 rushing yards!
DeVonta Smith
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
DeVonta Smith gets better and better every game. His route-running ability is top-notch, and his hands are incredible. Last night, he led the team in yards with 131 and a TD.
Jalen Hurts In Short Yardage
(Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Nobody in the league runs the quarterback sneak on the 1-yard line like the Eagles. Jalen Hurts and Jason Kelce joke that it works 92% of the time. It seems like it works more than that. This is both a positive for the O-Line for getting the push-up front and Jalen Hurts being able to keep his head down and keep his legs moving. Also, the running back and tight end pushing him into the end zone helps as well.
Eagles Fans
(Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The first quarter was really ugly and the Eagles fans started to boo. I think it was more of the play calling by Brian Johnson which was not good but it did light a spark under the coaching staff to run the ball down the Vikings’ throats. The fans always show up for their squad, especially on night games.
