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

Instant analysis of Eagles 25-20 win over Patriots in Week 1

It was an ugly win, but the Eagles are 1-0 on the 2023 season after a 25-20 win over the Patriots at rainy Gillette Stadium.

All-Pro quarterback Jalen Hurts has won 18 of his last 19 regular season starts, and Philadelphia can now look towards a Thursday night showdown against the Vikings on Amazon Prime.

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In a game where Brian Johnson and Sean Desai made their debuts as coordinators, the Eagles were sloppy and unable to get D’Andre Swift or Dallas Goedert involved offensively.

On defense, Philadelphia sacked Patriots quarterback Mac Jones twice on the afternoon and got solid performances from rookie Jalen Carter, and 2nd-year defensive tackle Jordan Davis.

With the contest now complete, here’s an instant analysis of the win.

Jalen Hurts

Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

In his first official game action since the Super Bowl loss, Hurts was 22 of 33 pasing, for 170 yards and a touchdown.

Hurts was sacked three times, had a 89.2 rating, and rushed for 37 yards on 9 yards. Hurts had a fumble deep in Eagles territory, but the defense was able to hold.

It wasn’t an MVP worthy contest, but he won, and essentially had his first preseason game.

Jalen Carter debut

Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

The All-American from Georgia was dominant at times, logging logging one tackle, one tackle for loss, one sack, and one quarterback hit along with the countless pressures.

Defense holds

(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Like Jonathan Gannon before him, Sean Desai’s defense was able to make enough plays down the stretch.

Christian Gonzalez

(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The rookie from Oregon was in a matchup to watch, and he held his own against A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

Gonzalez had seven tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, one pass defended, and one quarterback hit in a learning experience.

Dallas Goedert disappointment

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Whether it was gameplan or the Patriots defense, Goedert had zero catches on 1 target Sunday.

One of the NFL’s best tight ends, Goedert will look to rebound against the Vikings on Thursday night.

D'Andre Swift

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Like Goedert, Swift was used sparingly, finishing with one carry for three-yards, and one catch for zero yards.

On a night when Rashaad Penny was inactive, Philadelphia may have outsmarted themselves.

Justin Evans

(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Perseverance pays off, and Evans got the start after finding out last minute. The former Saints safety responded with seven tackles.

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