Takeaways and highlights from first half as Commanders hold a 17-10 lead over Eagles

Philadelphia gave up 270 total yards in the first half, and were shredded by Washington’s second year quarterback Sam Howell, yet the Birds only trail 17-10.

Jalen Hurts was sacked once in the first half, while the much-hyped Eagles defense didn’t sack Washington quarterback Sam Howell in the first half.

With plenty of action remaining, we’re looking at takeaways and highlights from the first half.

Eagles pass catchers

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 29: Emmanuel Forbes #13 of the Washington Commanders tackles A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter of a game at FedExField on October 29, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

A.J. Brown has 6 catches for 88 yards and a spectacular touchdown, while DeVonta Smith has 3 catches for 42 yards.

Dallas Goedert has 3 catches for 20 yards.

Tyler Steen sees key snaps

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Steen saw key snaps after Sua Opeta was forced to exit with an injury.

Jalen Hurts

Oct 29, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) passes the ball during warmup prior to the game Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Hurts was an efficient 20-25 passing, for 179 yards, and 1 touchdown, with a 109.8 QBR.

Kenneth Gainwell fumbles

Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Gainwell has two carries for -4 yards and the fumble.

Kenneth Gainwell fumbled and the Commanders take over! pic.twitter.com/k3lInyIU8n

— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) October 29, 2023

Eagles hold with Commanders in scoring position

Oct 29, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Bad teams make stupid decision, and with Washington up 14-3, Ron Rivera chose a fourth down attempt over a field goal try and it almost resulted in James Bradberry interception.

Eagles getting no pressure on Sam Howell

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 29: Sam Howell #14 of the Washington Commanders throws a pass during the first quarter of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on October 29, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

This was the one stat to watch, and at the two minute warning, the Eagles have zero sacks on Washington quarterback Sam Howell.

Entering today, Howell was the most sacked QB in the league, sacked on 14% of his dropbacks.

QB Sam Howell has completed 24 passes, the most in the first half of a game in franchise history.

— Washington Commanders PR (@Wash_PR) October 29, 2023

Howell was 24-26 passing, for 226 yards and 2 touchdowns with a 128 QBR.

Blown coverages

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 29: Nakobe Dean #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles tackles Jahan Dotson #1 of the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at FedExField on October 29, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Sam Howell tossed two first quarter touchdown passes, both on blown coverages, with Jahan Dotson getting in on the action.

Jahan Dotson 😳 pic.twitter.com/nbtUzmuM25

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 29, 2023

Eagles in the red zone

Oct 29, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) lines up under Eagles center Jason Kelce (62) during warmup prior to the game Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia was 1-2 on their red zone trips, while going 4-6 on third downs.

Brian Robinson

Jan 1, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders helmet on the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Robinson put the Commanders in scoring position with this 29-yard run, the longest against the Eagles this season.

Big gain on the ground from Brian Robinson!@BrianR_4 moves the chains with a 29 yard pickup.#HTTC pic.twitter.com/Knt89nkRxe

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 29, 2023

Eagles hurting at DT

Oct 29, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) throws a touchdown pass as Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams (93) defends during the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Milton Williams was forced inside early-on, while Jalen Carter exited and has yet to return, while Jordan Davis is dealing with a hamstring injury.

Terry McLaurin strikes again

Oct 29, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) catches a touchdown pass as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback James Bradberry (24) defends during the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

McLaurin has dominated the Eagles since entering the NFL and he struck early against James Bradberry.

Happy Halloween from Scary Terry #HTTC pic.twitter.com/peuOuXzLjl

— Jaime Eisner (@JaimeEisner) October 29, 2023

McLaurin entered entered the matchup with 53 catches for 784 yards in nine games played against Philadelphia.

In the first half, Scary Terry has 3 catches for 40 yards and a touchdown.