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

Studs and duds from Eagles’ stunning Monday night loss to the Seahawks

The Eagles clinched a playoff berth on Sunday, but the team doesn’t look like a postseason favorite after dropping their third straight game to an NFC opponent.

On Monday night, Philadelphia allowed 17 second-half points, blew a late lead, and allowed Drew Lock to drive Seattle 92 yards for a game-winning touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba with less than a minute remaining.

Jalen Hurts would eventually get picked off by Julian Love for a second time, and the Eagles are now 10-4 with just three games left on the schedule.

With preparation for the Giants set to begin, we’re looking at the studs and duds from Monday night.

Stud--D'Andre Swift

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 18: D’Andre Swift #0 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball in the first half at Lumen Field on December 18, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)

D’Andre Swift logged his most carries since Week 9, finishing with 82 yards on 18 rushes.

Dud--Jalen Hurts

Dec 18, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) escapes a tackle attempt by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Hurts was sick, but there are no excuses to be made, as the All-Pro was outplayed by Seahawks backup QB Drew Lock.

Hurts was intercepted twice, and passed up several open targets on multiple plays, choosing to chase deep balls to A.J. Brown on those occassions.

Dud--Quez Watkins

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Watkins logged more snaps than Julio Jones and Olamide Zaccheaus combined, but finished with 0 catches, on two targets, and one poor effort play on Jalen Hurts’ first interception of the game.

Dud-James Bradberry

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 18: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Seattle Seahawks catches a pass for a touchdown passed James Bradberry #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter at Lumen Field on December 18, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Bradberry allowed the game-winning 29-yard touchdown to rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and the Seahawks made a conscioius decision to target the veteran with Darius Slay sidelined after arthroscopic knee surgery.

The Seahawks were 7-of-8, for 116 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, and a 118.8 rating when targeting Bradberry.

Dud- Eagles pass rush

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Even with Matt Patricia taking over play-calling duties on defense, the pass rush again allowed a quarterback to feast on a battered secondary.

Philadelphia only registered two sacks on the night, and not nearly enough pressure.

Seattle had success on the ground, and the Georgia duo at defensive tackle appears to be slowing down.

Haason Reddick was held without a sack, while Nolan Smith and Patrick Johnson offer little as pass rushers.

Dud--OC Brian Johnson

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Johnson had a good opening drive of play calling, and things went downhill between the offensive coordinator and QB Jalen Hurts.

Philadelphia’s offense struggled to get into a rhythm.

The Eagles ran the ball less in the second half despite holding the lead and chose to chase big plays in the passing game.

Hurts bypassed taking what the Seahawk’s defense gave, instead choosing multiple deep shots with the game on the line and Jake Elliott within striking distance of sending the contest to overtime.

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