PHILADELPHIA — At last, the Eagles are winners at home.
It was a complete performance from the home team Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field, where the Eagles defeated the Saints in a 40-29 victory.
Sticking with the game plan
Ahead of the Week 11 matchup, the Saints boasted the NFL’s best rushing defense, allowing a league-low 72.9 yards per game. But that didn’t faze Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, who has revamped his offensive game plan with a run-first attack.
The Eagles embarrassed the vaunted Saints defense for 242 rushing yards in a combined effort from Miles Sanders (94 yards), Jordan Howard (63 yards), Boston Scott (16 yards) and quarterback Jalen Hurts (69 yards).
Rush. Rinse. Repeat.
Sirianni began the season as a pass-happy play caller, but rewrote his approach over the past month. The Eagles are the NFC’s best rushing team with a conference-high 153.5 yards per game. Sanders returned from his three-game stint on injured reserve with a low ankle sprain. He was the starter, but the team later implemented a committee approach.
QB breakdown
With the Eagles establishing their dominance in the trenches and building an early lead, Hurts didn’t need to do much as a passer. He completed 13-of-24 throws for 147 yards with zero passing touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Tight end Dallas Goedert was the team’s leading receiver with five catches for 62 yards. Rookie wideout DeVonta Smith added four catches for 61 yards.
Hurts was most effective in the run-pass option and in deciphering his zone reads. He had three rushing touchdowns, which upped his season total to eight. His eight rushing scores mark the most by any Eagles quarterback through 11 games. Hurts has also produced the most games with multiple rushing touchdowns, four, in franchise history.
Big Play Slay shows up again
Cornerback Darius Slay is building quite the Pro Bowl resume.
Slay ignited the crowd at the end of the first half when he recorded a pick-six off Saints quarterback Trevor Siemian. The 30-year-old defensive back expertly jumped the route and returned the interception 51 yards to the house. In eight-plus seasons, Slay has been named to the Pro Bowl in three consecutive years (2018-20).
Slay suffered a head injury in the fourth quarter and didn’t return.
Elliott continues hot streak
The special teams unit has been consistent all year, and kicker Jake Elliott has played a key role in the group’s success.
Following a disappointing season in 2020, in which he converted a career-low 73.7% (14-of-19) of his field goal attempts, Elliott has rebounded nicely. He was successful on a 50-yard attempt during the second quarter, which extended the lead to 17-7. Elliott is 3-for-3 on 50-plus yard attempts; last year, he was only 2-for-5 on those long-distance kicks.
Against the Saints, Elliott was 4-for-4 in field goal kicks and 3-for-3 in extra point attempts. Overall, Elliott has made 90% (18-of-20) of his field goals. He’s made 100% (28-of-28) of his extra point attempts.
Injury report
Linebacker Davion Taylor exited in the first quarter after suffering a knee injury, and he did not return.
Ahead of Sunday’s contest, Taylor’s status was already in question. He was listed with a knee injury after suffering a bone bruise last Sunday at Denver. It wasn’t clear whether or not Taylor re-injured the same knee.
Cornerback Avonte Maddox exited in the second quarter after his collision with Saints running back Mark Ingram II. Following a quick visit to the blue medical tent, Maddox later returned. Howard also suffered a knee injury in the third quarter and didn’t return.
Celebrity appearances
The Linc was certainly the place to be this weekend.
During the team’s final practice Friday, it welcomed actor-director Rob McElhenney, most known for his role in the FX comedy series, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” Following his encounter with Sirianni, McElhenney jokingly tweeted he told Sirianni to “run the ball.”
Actor and stand-up comedian Kevin Hart also was in attendance on game day. During pregame warmups, he made the rounds on the sidelines and even had a lengthy conversation with team owner Jeffrey Lurie.
