Key takeaways from first half of Eagles Week 1 matchup vs. Patriots

The Eagles jumped out to a 16-0 lead, before allowing the Patriots to score 14 unanswered points in the second quarter.

Dallas Goedert was shockingly held without a target, while Jordan Davis was responsible for causing one of the two New England turnovers on the afternoon.

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With the second-half approaching, here are key takeaways from the first half.

Big Play Slay

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 10: Darius Slay #2 of the Philadelphia Eagles returns an interception for a touchdown while Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots chases after him during the first quarter Gillette Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Slay logged another interception return for a touchdown, taking a tipped Mac Jones pass back 70 yards for the score.

Darius Slay's 70-yard INT-TD was the 3rd of his #NFL career and longest overall. He previously had pick-6s on 11/21/21 vs. New Orleans (51 yards) and 12/9/18 at Arizona with Detroit (67 yards).

The score marked the #Eagles' first INT-TD since Josh Sweat's 42-yard return on…

— John Gonoude (@john_gonoude) September 10, 2023

Jalen Carter

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

BreadMan is a monster.

Jalen Carter is a problem #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/AdWD2Y6ZuS

— JAKIB Sports (@JAKIBSports) September 10, 2023

Sean Desai's defense making Patriots Feel him

Sean Desai

First time the Eagles have forced a turnover on their opponent’s first two drives since Nov. 10, 2014, vs. the Panthers at the Linc.

1) DeAngelo Williams fumble forced by Casey Matthews, recovered by Cedric Thornton

2) Cary Williams INT Cam Newton

Eagles won 45-21

— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) September 10, 2023

The Eagles defensive coordinator wanted a physical unit and he’s off and running.

Jordan Davis forces the fumble❗️#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/vEf7dKgRgh

— JAKIB Sports (@JAKIBSports) September 10, 2023

Kenneth Gainwell

Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Gainwell is the lead back in Philadelphia, and the first half in New England was proof.

The talented running back logged 10 carries for 40 yards in the first half.

D'Andre Swift

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The newest Eagles running back was seldomly used in the first half.

Kenneth Gainwell: 10 carries, 40 yards … 2 catches, 14 yards

D’Andre Swift: 0 carries … 1 catch, 0 yards

Jalen Hurts

Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) throws a pass during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Hurts is 9-13 passing, for 47-yards and a touchdown as New England works to keep everything in front of the defense.

Hurts has four carries for 16-yards in a rain-filled first half.

Dynamic WR Duo

(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have combined for 5 catches, for 25-yards and one touchdown on five total targets.

Dallas Goedert

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Eagles star tight end has zero catches or targets in the first half.