Philadelphia’s defense shut down Baker Mayfield and the Tampa offense, while the road team had a 100-yard rusher and 100-yard receiver on a night when Jalen Hurts and the offense left points on the board.
The Eagles played another sloppy contest but moved to 3-0 on the season after a 25-11 win over the Buccaneers on ABC’s Monday Night Football.
Buy Eagles TicketsRookie defensive tackle and No. 9 overall pick Jalen Carter was again dominant in limited pass rush opportunities, while the Eagles secondary adjusted without Avonte Maddox in the slot, moving James Bradberry and Sydney Brown around the field.
With the Birds set to start preparation for an NFC East matchup with Washington, here are takeaways and observations from the win.
Jalen Hurts scores another rushing touchdown
Hurts won’t get close to Steve Van Buren (71), but the Eagles star quarterback will definitely score 20 more rushing touchdowns in his career.
Jalen Hurts now has 34 career rushing TDs (including postseason).
Only four Eagles have had more: Steve Van Buren (71), Wilbert Montgomery (51), LeSean McCoy (45) and Brian Westbrook (40). He just passed Randall Cunningham, who had 33.
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) September 26, 2023
Dee Delaney prevents more Eagles points
WHAT AN INTERCEPTION BY DEE DELANEY!
📺: #PHIvsTB on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/NkpBC1YFYJ pic.twitter.com/Psx5oIB404— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2023
A.J. Brown case of the drops
The Eagles red zone offense was 1-of-4 through three quarters and highlighted by two A.J. Brown drops mixed in.
Still the All-Pro redeemed himself strongly.
D'Andre Swift closing in on history
Swift stopped at 130 yards rushing, but it was another dynamic performance for the hometown kid.
Most rushing yards by Eagles on Monday night:
184 yards … Shady at Washington, 2013
178 yards … Bryce Brown vs. Panthers, 2012
135 yards … Van Buren at Lions, 1949
130 yards … Swift at Buccaneers, 2023— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) September 26, 2023
Buccaneers had success too late
After amassing only 99 yards through three quarters, the Buccaneers managed a nine-play, 75-yard touchdown drive and converted on the two-point conversion.
Mayfield to Evans! @Buccaneers pull within two TDs.
📺: #PHIvsTB on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/NkpBC1YFYJ pic.twitter.com/Uo2IkLeQ5b— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2023
Philadelphia held a 25-11 lead with 9:22 left in the fourth quarter and milked the entire clock out on the final drive.
Kenneth Gainwell
Gainwell didn’t get the start at running back, but had his share of touches, carrying the football 14 times, for 43 yards.
D’Andre Swift is the clear lead back, but Gainwell has a role.
Dallas Goedert heating up
Goedert had five catches for 41 yards on the night, with 7 targets. The targets and attention are their, but OC Brian Johnson has to figure out more deep throws for the star tight end.
Reed Blankenship
Blankenship returned to the lineup and logged a team high seven tackles, one interception, one pass defended and one tackle for loss.
Chris Godwin held in check
James Bradberry, Sydney Brown and the Eagles defenders in the slot did an excellent job on Godwin.
Chris Godwin’s streak of 16 straight games with at least 5 catches was snapped by #Eagles defense. It was longest active streak in league. He had 3 catches for 32 yards
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) September 26, 2023