In a first half that can only be described as absolutely maddening, the Eagles have played uninspired football and trail the New York Giants 24-0 at the half.
In a matchup that should have started with the starters and key contributors getting rest, Philadelphia was forced to wave the white towel and avoid further deflating his team’s confidence.
Dallas leads Washington 21-10 in the first half, meaning they’ll likely win the NFC East, and the Eagles will travel to Tampa and face Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers in a rematch of a Philadelphia win on Monday Night Football.
With the second half about to start, here are takeaways from the first half.
Saquon Barkley
Nolan Smith could develop into one of the top young pass rushers one day, but Howie Roseman is going to eventually pay dearly for not taking the linebacker or safety position seriously when developing personnel and roster building.
Saquon having a DAY. 46-yard catch down the sideline.
📺: #PHIvsNYG on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/X0vcyHUoyR pic.twitter.com/AxAVsctnse— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
In what could be his final game with the Giants, Saquon Barkley had 11 carries for 29 yards and two touchdowns, and also logged two catches for 51 yards, and including a perfect catch and run from Tyrod Taylor.
Tyrod Taylor
After exiting with an injury, Taylor returned an shredded the Eagles, going 15-20 passing, for 229 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
Taylor has a 108.1 rating in the first half.
Tyrod to Slayton and it's 24-0! @Giants
📺: #PHIvsNYG on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/X0vcyHUoyR pic.twitter.com/H0k6jyWbbp— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
Eagles doormant offense
Philadelphia punted or went three and out on their first five possessions.
Eagles' possessions today:
Punt
Fumble
Turnover on downs
Punt
Punt— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) January 7, 2024
In all, the Eagles are 1-7 on third downs, have 108 total yards of offense, and 29 yards passing in 8 offensive drives.
On two of those drives, they amassed -12 yards of offense.
Jalen Hurts
In a first half that can only be described as a disaster, Hurts was 7-16 passing, for 55 yards, and one interception.
Can’t think of anything more Philly than a QB who is permanently giving everyone the middle finger https://t.co/nRPgF01Fgc
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) January 7, 2024
Hurts was sacked twice, suffered a nasty injury to his right middle finger, and finished the first half with a 26.8 rating before being pulled for Marcus Mariota.
Nick Sirianni could be in trouble
He may not be fired, but Nick Sirianni is certainly going to be forced by owner Jeffrey Lurie to clean house with his assistants and coaching staff.
Not having Smith or Brown is really highlighting how poorly this passing offense is coached and planned. It’s reliant on great players being able to separate and make plays. Nothing is schemed to help players.
— Honest NFL (@TheHonestNFL) January 7, 2024
Marlon Tuipulotu
The veteran defensive tackle was a bright spot in the first half, logging 3 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss and 2 QB hits.
Random Notes
Sydney Brown was carted off with a knee injury, and his status along with A.J. Brown, will be something to watch.
With D’Andre Swift dealing with an illness, logged 7 carries for 62 yards.
In the passing game, Quez Watkins led the Eagles with four catches for 37 yards.
