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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 20-3 lead over Giants

The Eagles needed some good vibes at Lincoln Financial Field, and through one half of play, Matt Patricia’s defense has been stout while holding Brian Daboll’s offense to three total points.

On offense, A.J. Brown broke DeVonta Smith’s record for receptions in a season, while Jalen Hurts moved past Cam Newton for rushing touchdowns in a season.

Philadelphia is up 20-3, with room for more efficiency.

With the second half underway, we’re looking at highlights and takeaways from the first half.

Nolan Smith off the ball

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Smith can’t get any pass rusher snaps, so DC Matt Patricia gave him some reps at middle linebacker and outside linebacker during the first quarter.

The rookie had two tackles in the first half.

James Bradberry in the slot

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 25: James Bradberry #24, Kevin Byard #31 and Shaquille Leonard #53 of the Philadelphia Eagles tackle Matt Breida #31 of the New York Giants during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

Bradberry had two passes defended in the first half.

On select downs, Patricia has moved Bradberry to the slot, and he’s still having problems in one on one coverage.

Britain Covey is a Pro Bowler

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (18) returns a punt against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Covey put the Eagles in scoring position after a Giants 3 and out with this 54-yard punt return.

Covey has been a gem since signing with the Eagles out of Utah and he’s definitely headed to his first Pro Bowl.

Shaq Leonard alive

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Shaquille Leonard (53) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

In the first half, Leonard had 4 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, and a QB hit.

It was the first sack since the regular-season finale of the 2020 season.

Quez Watkins back in the dog house

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 25: Britain Covey #18 of the Philadelphia Eagles returns a punt against during the first quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

Britain Covey, Julio Jones and Olamide Zaccheaus all saw snaps before Quez Watkins, with the punt returner Covey even getting a screen play called.

A.J. Brown had one catch, for 7 yards, while DeVonta Smith led the Eagles with 3 catches for 72 yards and the score.

Eagles defense had strong first quarter

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 25: Tommy DeVito #15 of the New York Giants avoids a tackle by Josh Sweat #94 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

Matt Patricia’s defense sacked Tommy Divito one time, pressured the quarterback on countless dropbacks, allowed 101 total yards, while the Giants were 1-8 on third downs.

DeVonta Smith back to back 1,000-yard seasons

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 25: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

Smith and A.J. Brown are breaking franchise records left and right.

Smith joins Mike Quick (1983-1984), and DeSean Jackson (2009-2010) as the only players in franchise history to achieve this feat.

Jalen Hurts spreading th football around

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) raises his hands for quiet during the first quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Two weeks removed from only targeting three players in the passing game, QB Jalen Hurts has targeted 8 different wide receivers in the passing game.

The Eagles outgained the Giants 212 to 101 in the first half, as Jalen Hurts had 156 passing yards, 191 total yards and two total touchdowns.

Haason Reddick

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Reddick had 2 tackles, 1 sack and 2 QB hits in the first half.

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