The Philadelphia Eagles managed to survive a second-half comeback by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday to secure a 31-25 victory in South Florida in Week 4.
The team led 24-6 at half, after a pair of touchdown receptions to tight end, Dallas Goedert helped them take a substantial hold on the game against the formerly 3-0 leaders of the NFC South.
However, two third-quarter 70+ yard TDs from quarterback, Baker Mayfield to rookie, Emeka Egbuka and second year running back, Bucky Irving, helped them come within one score of Philadelphia, before an interception and subsequent turnover on downs ensured the Eagles flew back up to the North East victorious.
Speaking after the match, quarterback Jalen Hurts, coming off a 2 touchdown day, emphasized what he believed was the key difference in the team’s play in the first and second half – execution.
Jalen Hurts on what didn’t work in the second half: “Execution.”
Jalen Hurts Speaks Out After Tale-Of-Two-Halves Victory
Jalen Hurts on what worked in the first half: “It’s just about execution.” The Athletic’s Zach Berman wrote, quoting Hurts after the game.
Jalen Hurts on what didn’t work in the second half: “Execution.
The former Super Bowl MVP also shared his broader thoughts on the team’s situation in the league, and how they are looking to keep improving amid a 4-0 start to the season.
“I think we’re in a good place now.” Hurts said to the media on Sunday afternoon post-game. “We have opportunity for us. We’re looking at the standard of execution. You guys can look at the record and be a hound for negativity in some regard, but regardless where you are this early in the season, you’re still trying to elevate and play to a standard and play to a standard of execution.”
Eagles Looking To Keep Foot On The Gas Despite 4-0 Start
Although Philadelphia remain one of just two unbeaten teams in the NFL – alongside the Buffalo Bills – and the only 1.00 franchise in the NFC, the wins have hardly been flawless to say the least.
A close, four-point opener against the Micah Parsons-less Dallas Cowboys was followed by a tight three-point victory against reigning AFC Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, in a rematch of Super Bowl LIX this past February.
And whilst both of the Eagles‘ subsequent wins have been by a 6+ margin, neither have looked totally convincing. But, in fairness to Philly, neither the Rams nor the Bucs are easy outs by any means.
Indeed, Tampa Bay have historically been the Eagles‘ bogey team: prior to Sunday’s win, Philadelphia has gone 1-6 in their past seven games against the Buccaneers, going back a decade to November 2015.
The Eagles have been on the receiving aim of “boring” claims, and Hurts has been criticized for the team’s lack of volume in the passing offense.
Both of accusations have validity; Philadelphia’s run-heavy play-style is not always the most pleasing to the line, and Hurts has only managed 200+ passing yards in one of his four bouts this season to date.
At the end of the day, the Eagles are 4-0 – and that is about all that matters, for now.
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