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.
Buy Eagles TicketsBuccaneers 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
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.
Eagles open in a 5-2 defense, so James Bradberry is on the outside. Likely to move inside when the Eagles go nickel.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) September 25, 2023
Bucs test Eagles run defense
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
Nick Sirianni talked about riding the hot hand and Swift started the game despite Kenneth Gainwell’s return to the lineup.
Swole Batman
After a Week 2 discussion, Hurts and A.J. Brown connected on a shallow crossing route that turned into a strong 28 yard gain.
AJ Brown making a statement early on❗️#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/cc4uMhmDU8
— JAKIB Sports (@JAKIBSports) September 25, 2023
Hurts then found Brown for a 16 yard on the next play.
Strong first drive for Hurts
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.
The @Buccaneers stop the Eagles on 4th & 2 💪🚫
(via @Buccaneers)pic.twitter.com/BeRff8Kmrw
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 25, 2023
Cade Otton is a problem
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
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.
Britain Covey with a big return for the @Eagles
📺: #PHIvsTB on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/NkpBC1YFYJ pic.twitter.com/BHOFGKEUbo— NFL (@NFL) September 25, 2023
D'Andre Swift on pace for another monster night
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
The former USC defensive tackle logged a sack on Monday night, joining his younger brother with the weekend success.
Marlon Tuipulotu with the first sack of the night!#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/RxrK6vW1d9
— JAKIB Sports (@JAKIBSports) September 25, 2023
Eagles dominant first quarter
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
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
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
The former Alabama cornerback was targeted early and often in coverage with James Bradberry sliding inside to the slot.
Sydney Brown TD saving play
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.
Sydney Brown saves a TD for the @Eagles defense
📺: #PHIvsTB on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/NkpBC1YFYJ pic.twitter.com/BGkpjQaMCJ— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2023
The Bucs were forced to settle for three points and a field goal.
Olamide Zaccheaus gets on the board
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.
JALEN HURTS STRIKE 🚀
pic.twitter.com/lg7exNHJ17— PFF (@PFF) September 26, 2023
Zaccheaus would go on to snag a 34-yard touchdown off a strike from Jalen Hurts.
Reed Blankenship
Lean with it rock with it
📺: #PHIvsTB on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/NkpBC1YFYJ pic.twitter.com/75LZd9x20I— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2023
The former Middle Tennessee State safety returned to the lineup and promptly snagged Baker Mayfield’s first interception of the season.
All aboard the Blankenship @reedus99_reed | #PHIvsTB | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/iwI8gsPEkN
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 26, 2023
In the first half, Blankenship logged 4 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 pass deflection and the 1 INT.
Hurts ugly interception
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
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
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.
