The Birds weren’t perfect, but Philadelphia capitalized off an Arizona turnover and used two timely touchdown catches from Julio Jones to jump out to a 21-6 lead over Jonathan Gannon’s Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.
Rookie safety Sydney Jones returned a Kyler Murray interception 99 yards for a touchdown, and Jalen Carter registered a sack as a solid defensive effort spurred on the Eagles.
With the second half set to kick off, here are takeaways and highlights from the first half.
Sydney Brown biggest play of the game
99 YARDS TO THE CRIB @Sydbrown___ !! pic.twitter.com/qMP0nvrSZ5
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 31, 2023
Sydney Brown made the biggest play of the first half, and he’s the reason Philadelphia currently holds an advantage, returning a Kyler Murray interception 99 yards for a touchdown.
For perspective on Brown's speed… https://t.co/WDauQB9sMD
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) December 31, 2023
Cardinals dominated time of possession in first half
Cardinals first three drives
-14 plays, 64 yards, 7:46, FG
– 8 plays, 43 yards, 3:52, INT
– 16 plays, 59 yards, 9:54, FG
Cardinals settle for a FG after a 16-play drive.
Arizona has 36 offensive plays. Eagles have 12.
Eagles have a 14-6 lead. Been an odd — and fast — first half.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) December 31, 2023
Julio Jones dominating first half
The future Hall of Famer had two big catches, for 34 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.
Trick play off Tush push
You thought you knew what was coming 😉@KENNETHGAINWEL x @DeVontaSmith_6 pic.twitter.com/WpNZkpi6IZ
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 31, 2023
Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts’ first half was solid, as the All-Pro was 11/13 passing, for 114 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs.
D'Andre Swift 1,000 yards
Swift had 5 carries for 16 yards in the first half, putting him at 1,004 yards on the season with a game and a half remaining in the regular season.
Eagles pass catchers
A.J. Brown had 3 catches for 35 yards, while DeVonta Smith hauled in 3 catches for 30 yards.
