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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

Key takeaways from the first half of the Eagles’ Monday night matchup vs. the Bucs

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was 12 of 21 passing, for 153 yards, with one touchdown and one interception, as a stout Philadelphia defense led the way.

D’Andre Swift led the rushing attack with 38 yards on five carries, logging 36 yards on the first drive.

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Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was 9-16 passing for 79 yards and one interception.

Mike Evans was held to two catches for 13 yards in the first half.

With kickoff for the second half fast approaching, here are takeaways and highlights from the first half.

James Bradberry starts game on outside

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Bradberry didn’t slide down inside into the slot until Tampa was forced into a third down they converted to Chris Godwin who was on the outside.

Bucs test Eagles run defense

(Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay came out and gave the football to talented running back Rachaad White on multiple attempts for throwing on third down.

D'Andre Swift got the start

(Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Nick Sirianni talked about riding the hot hand and Swift started the game despite Kenneth Gainwell’s return to the lineup.

Swole Batman

(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

After a Week 2 discussion, Hurts and A.J. Brown connected on a shallow crossing route that turned into a strong 28 yard gain.

Hurts then found Brown for a 16 yard on the next play.

Strong first drive for Hurts

Sep 25, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Hurts returned to the scene of his first playoff loss and looked much improved at quarterback.

Looking to target A.J. Brown early and often, Hurts went 4-5 passing, for 53 yards on the opening drive before Philadelphia’s failed fourth down attempt.

Cade Otton is a problem

Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The talented tight end is on the field more this year and made a diving 16 yard catch in front of Reed Blankenship to extend a drive.

Britain Covey strikes

TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 25: Britain Covey #18 of the Philadelphia Eagles returns a punt during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 25, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Recently signed to the active roster, Covey put the Eagles in excellent field position with an explosive 52 yard punt return to open up the second drive.

D'Andre Swift on pace for another monster night

Sep 25, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift (0) runs with the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Christian Izien (29) tackles during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

It’s only the near end of the first quarter, but Swift already has 36 yards on 4 carries against a talented Buccaneers defense that had yet to allow 36 yards in a game this season.

Swift had two more yards in the first half.

Marlon Tuipulotu

(AP Photo/Doug Murray)

The former USC defensive tackle logged a sack on Monday night, joining his younger brother with the weekend success.

Eagles dominant first quarter

TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 25: Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles sacks Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 25, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

At the end of first quarter in Tampa — the Eagles only up 3-0 on Bucs, but have outgained Tampa 113-34.

D’Andre Swift dominated the carries, logging 17 snaps to Kenneth Gainwell and Rashaad Penny’s combined one.

Brandon Graham makes history

Sep 25, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Graham is appearing in his 181st regular season game as an Eagle.

The former Michigan linebacker is now in 3rd place on the franchise list of games played behind j David Akers (188) and Brian Dawkins (183).

Godwin wins a battle against Bradberry

TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 25: Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs after a catch during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on September 25, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Godwin was able to extend a Buccaneers drive in the red zone with a seven yard catch after beating James Bradberry at the line of scrimmage.

Godwin had two catches, for 25 yards in the first half.

Jobe targeted often

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The former Alabama cornerback was targeted early and often in coverage with James Bradberry sliding inside to the slot.

Sydney Brown TD saving play

(Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Mike Evans was able to get loose in coverage and the rookie safety was able to make a late diving attempt at breaking up the play.

The Bucs were forced to settle for three points and a field goal.

Olamide Zaccheaus gets on the board

TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 25: Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers breaks up a pass to Olamide Zaccheaus #13 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 25, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Starting in relief of an injured Quez Watkins, Zaccheaus recorded his first regular season catch, snagging a 24 yard grab after Jalen Hurts escaped a sack.

Zaccheaus would go on to snag a 34-yard touchdown off a strike from Jalen Hurts.

Reed Blankenship

Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

The former Middle Tennessee State safety returned to the lineup and promptly snagged Baker Mayfield’s first interception of the season.

In the first half, Blankenship logged 4 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 pass deflection and the 1 INT.

Hurts ugly interception

TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 25: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 25, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

With Philadelphia driving, Hurts was forced to throw early, and a miscommunication with D’Andre Swift caused an interception to Bucs linebacker, Devin White.

Mentor, Mentee

(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Fletcher Cox and Jalen Carter do everything together, including meeting at the quarterback for timely sacks.

Cox has two tackles, one half a sack, and two quarterback hits.

Eagles defense dominates the first half

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia’s defense was the story of the first half, causing two forced turnovers, two sacks , while allowing only 87 yards and three first half points.

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