Alex Kielar | September 8th, 2019
Welcome to my first week of Eagles game recaps! Every week following the Eagles game, I will recap the biggest keys and plays for the win or loss. Call me the in-house Eagles reporter. Now let’s get into this week, as the Eagles surged over the Redskins 32-27.
Slow Start
The first half didn’t look too promising for the Philly faithful, as the Eagles trailed 20-7 at the half. The defense was blistered for two touchdowns for 48 and 69 yards, to Vernon Davis and Terry McLaurin, respectively. The Eagles offense seemed lost in the first half, other than a 51-yard touchdown pass to returning-Eagle DeSean Jackson they only had 62 total yards. The run game was virtually non-existent, as they only had 16 rushing yards. They looked absolutely lost on both sides of the ball like they weren’t ready for the season.
Halftime Speech = Second Half Surge
Following the seemingly uninspired first half, the Eagles came out of the locker room clicking on all cylinders. On the first drive of the half, the Eagles drove down the field for 75 yards in 7:50 to get within six. Carson Wentz found Alshon Jeffrey in the end zone for his second touchdown of the day. The run game also got going on the drive, as Darren Sproles and rookie Miles Sanders combined for 52 rushing yards on the drive. Then on the first defensive drive of the half, the Eagles forced a three-and-out from the Redskins. The Eagles shutout the Redskins for most of the second half, only allowing a garbage-time touchdown with seconds left in the game. That was also a very bad beat for sports bettors, as the line was set at seven. The Eagles won by five, 32-27.
DeSean Jackson Returns to Gang Green
One of the biggest highlights of the game was DeSean Jackson making his return to the Eagles after being away from them for five seasons. After being traded back to them from the Buccaneers in the offseason along with a 2020 seventh-rounder for a 2019 sixth-rounder, the hype was real about his return. He got a huge ovation in pregame from Eagles fans, and boy oh boy, he did not disappoint. I already told you about his 51-yard touchdown catch in the first half for the Eagles’ first touchdown. He struck again in the Eagles’ second possession of the second half, as they wasted no time after getting the ball back. On just the third play of the drive, Wentz aired it out once again to Jackson as he caught it in stride and into the end zone for 53 yards. It was shades of 2010 when Jackson had a great combo with Michael Vick. Now Wentz has a real deep threat, (probably the best deep threat this decade) which he has been missing in his first few seasons. It should be a great duo to watch all season, as we got a good look at it already.
Players of the Game
Since the Eagles had a number of playmakers on the day, I don’t want to just give one Player of the Game. Here they are.
Carson Wentz
Wentz threw for 313 yards and three touchdowns going 28 for 39 on his passes. This was good for a 121.0 passer rating. He also used his legs to get out of trouble and find open receivers downfield and pushed through the middle to convert two fourth downs. Wentz’s health is going to be very important this season, as the Eagles look to make another deep run.
DeSean Jackson
As I said, Jackson completed two touchdown catches of 50+ yards while catching eight targets for 154 total yards. I will call it now and say that Jackson will wind up with the most yards, catches, and touchdowns for the Eagles’ receivers this year. I think he will be Wentz’s favorite target along with his good buddy, tight end Zach Ertz.
Jordan Howard
Howard was one of the top playmakers on the ground and out of the backfield in the air. He finished with 55 total yards, 44 of them on the ground, and his longest was 17 yards. He and Miles Sanders should be a powerful tandem for the season. Howard pushed for all the extra yardage he could get, pushing through defenders on every play.
Questions and comments?
thescorecrowsports@gmail.com
Follow Us on Twitter @thescorecrow
Follow Us on Reddit at u/TheScorecrow
Follow Us on Facebook at The Scorecrow
Follow Us on Instagram at The Scorecrow
Facebook Group where you can read and post articles at The Scorecrow
Reddit Group where everyone can post without fear of being banned at The Scorecrow
Follow Alex Kielar on Twitter @KielarScorecrow
Main Image Credit: [getty src=”1166890588″ width=”594″ height=”396″ tld=”com”]
