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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

Highlights and takeaways from first half as Eagles hold a 21-6 lead over Cardinals

The Birds weren’t perfect, but Philadelphia capitalized off an Arizona turnover and used two timely touchdown catches from Julio Jones to jump out to a 21-6 lead over Jonathan Gannon’s Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.

Rookie safety Sydney Jones returned a Kyler Murray interception 99 yards for a touchdown, and Jalen Carter registered a sack as a solid defensive effort spurred on the Eagles.

With the second half set to kick off, here are takeaways and highlights from the first half.

Sydney Brown biggest play of the game

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 31: Sydney Brown #21 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Sydney Brown made the biggest play of the first half, and he’s the reason Philadelphia currently holds an advantage, returning a Kyler Murray interception 99 yards for a touchdown.

Cardinals dominated time of possession in first half

Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox (29) in front of cornerback Eli Ricks (39) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals first three drives

-14 plays, 64 yards, 7:46, FG
– 8 plays, 43 yards, 3:52, INT
– 16 plays, 59 yards, 9:54, FG

Julio Jones dominating first half

Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Julio Jones (80) catches a 12-yard touchdown pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The future Hall of Famer had two big catches, for 34 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.

Trick play off Tush push

Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) laterals the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Hurts

Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) laterals the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Hurts’ first half was solid, as the All-Pro was 11/13 passing, for 114 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs.

D'Andre Swift 1,000 yards

Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift (0) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. (33) and linebacker Zaven Collins (25) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Swift had 5 carries for 16 yards in the first half, putting him at 1,004 yards on the season with a game and a half remaining in the regular season.

Eagles pass catchers

Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Julio Jones (80) celebrates his 12-yard touchdown with wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

A.J. Brown had 3 catches for 35 yards, while DeVonta Smith hauled in 3 catches for 30 yards.

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