Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson adjusted, and Philadelphia found some offensive rhythm late in the second quarter to finish the first half with a 10-7 lead on Amazon Prime’s Thursday Night Football.
The Eagles’ defense caused three first-half turnovers and kept the Vikings’ offense contained outside of a few big plays.
Buy Eagles TicketsHere are key takeaways and notes from the first half.
DeVonta Smith is good
Smith got on the board early with a deep 54-yard leaping catch over Vikings safety Harrison Smith.
Smitty got UP@DeVontaSmith_6 | #MINvsPHI | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/ywKDk5Sg6I
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 15, 2023
Smith had two catches, for 60-yards.
Jalen Hurts efficient first drive
Jalen Hurts went 4-of-4 for 60 yards on that drive (118.8 rating).
2 carries, 9 yards. #Eagles
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) September 15, 2023
Replacements for injured starters
With Reed Blankenship, Kenneth Gainwell and James Bradberry all out, Terrell Edmunds, D’Andre Swift and Josh Jobe got the start.
Justin Evans and Terrell Edmunds start at LB, but Sydney Brown in as a third safety on 3rd-and-9.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) September 15, 2023
Jordan Davis is frightening
Davis was active in the first quarter logging 1 tackle, 1 TFL, 1 sack and 2 QB hits.
6-6, 340 lbs Jordan Davis becoming a pass rusher is terrifying pic.twitter.com/bnhq5rwjZB
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) September 15, 2023
Davis finished the first half with two quarterback hits.
Jalen Hurts interceptions ends drive
With the Eagles at the Vikings 44-yard line, Jalen Hurts had a pass down the deep middle intended for DeVonta Smith intercepted by by Theo Jackson at the Minnesota 35.
Did Hurts just not see the middle of the field closed off? https://t.co/KpOmG3fBxm
— Aaron Schatz 🏈 (@ASchatzNFL) September 15, 2023
Justin Evans big first half
Evans caused a fumble on a Brandon Powell punt return, and then recovered an Alexander Mattison fumble.
Evans finished the first half with two tackles.
OC Brian Johnson's first half
With 42 seconds left in the first half, Johnson’s offense had 97 total yards, and Jalen Hurts led the rushing attack with five carries.
Jalen Hurts isn’t seeing the whole field, and Johnson’s first quarter offense was predictable and drew boos.
End of the 1st quarter: Eagles 3, Vikings 0
Jalen Hurts: 7 of 9, 72 yards, 1 INT; 5 carries, 9 yards
D'Andre Swift: 4 carries, 24 yards
DeVonta Smith: 2 catches, 60 yards
Vikings QB Kirk Cousins: 2 of 4, 16 yards
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) September 15, 2023
After focusing on the rushing attack, Philadelphia finished with 209 yards in the first and controlled time of possession.
Kirk Cousins
Cousins was 13-17 passing, for 140-yards and one touchdown in the first half.
Jalen Carter
Carter had two tackles in the first half and one tackle for loss.
Jalen Carter is filthy. pic.twitter.com/jTi4svQ8NQ
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 15, 2023
Jalen Hurts
Hurts was 10-13 passing, for 84-yards and one interception. Hurts also had nine carries, for 30-yards in the first half.
Mario Goodrich picked on
Playing in relief of an injured Avonte Maddox, Goodrich had one tackle, but was picked on in coverage.
Cousins to Hockenson. Eagles trail 7-3. pic.twitter.com/VaAQIyTPm2
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) September 15, 2023
Where is Rashaad Penny
The Eagles free agent signing was active, but had no carries in the first half.
D'Andre Swift
After only seeing 18 snaps in Week 1, Swift had 12 carries for 62-yards in the first half, leading the Eagles rushing attack.
