To no one’s surprise, the Philadelphia Eagles won their season opener 34-17 against the sub-par Jacksonville Jaguars. But to everyone’s surprise, the Eagles didn’t dominate from start to finish despite what the score may indicate.
It was a scoreless-struggle in the first half for the birds and quarterback Nick Foles played a large part in it. In the first half Foles looked very indecisive and wasn’t the calm, accurate decision maker that Philly fans know him to be.
The third-year-quarterback had three turnovers in the first half; two of them were fumbles to go along with an interception in the red zone. The Eagles’ offensive didn’t look like the very “high-powered” that they are known for.
LeSean McCoy was stagnant with 10 carries for 38 yards and the receiving corp looked non-existent with Jeremy Maclin leading the way with two catches for 21 yards.
The defense didn’t look much better. The secondary gave up four catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns to undrafted rookie Allen Hurns. Quarterback Chad Henne carved the Eagles’ defensive, completing 12-17 pass attempts for 167 yards and two touchdowns.
After a disappointing showing in the first half, the Eagles trailed the Jaguars 17-0 at halftime. Fans voiced their displeasure with loud “boo’s” and chants for back up quarterback Marc Sanchez.
The Eagles found a way to turn it around in the second half and looked like the team fans were accustomed to seeing. In the third quarter the birds scored 14 unanswered points. Running Back Darren Sproles started the third quarter rally with a 49-yard touchdown run on 4th and 1. Nick Foles threw a strike down the middle to Tight end Zach Ertz for a 25-yard touchdown.
Just like that the Eagles were back in the game trailing 17-14 going into the fourth quarter. Jeremy Maclin eventually gave the Eagles a 21-14 lead with a 67-yard touchdown catch from Nick Foles.
After an impressive 51-yard field goal from rookie kicker Cody Parkey, Fletcher Cox recover a chad Henne fumble and took it to the house for a touchdown. That score gave the Eagles 34 unanswered points in the second half.
Nick Foles finished the game completing 27 of 45 passes for 322 yards and two touchdowns to just one interception. LeSean McCoy showed some great flashes in the second half, finishing the day with 21 carries for 74 yards. Darren Sproles finished with 71 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Jeremy Maclin led the way for Eagles’ receivers with four catches for 97 yards and a score. Zach Ertz also had a great day with three catches for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Unfortunately Pro bowl guard Evan Mathis suffered an injury in the second quarter and had to be carted off the field.
Eagles take on the Indianapolis Colts Monday night at 8:30 p.m. They’ll have to have a better showing if they plan to take down Andrew Luck and a solid Colts team.
