Philadelphia Eagles 25 – Tampa Bay Bucs 11
On a hot, humid, and wet evening in Tampa, FL the Philadelphia Eagles improved their record to 3-0. Despite two interceptions by Jalen Hurts (23-37, 277 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT’s) and early Third Down conversion issues; the Philadelphia Eagles defense and a Jake Elliott FG (36 yd) held serve until the offense got into gear.
Led once again by D’Andre Swift (16 carries for 130 yds), the Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Line completely dominated a severely overmatched Tampa Bay Defensive Line.
Feeling more like a Home Game, the Philadelphia Eagles fans showed up in numbers and turned the Big Sombrero (Berman) into a miniature Linc. Chants of “Let’s Go Eagles” overwhelmed even the staunchest Tampa Bay cheers and by game’s end; it was likened to an evening in South Philadelphia, rather than South Florida.
First Quarter:
Each team recorded 3 possessions and were noticeably rusty after the long layoff from Week 2. Jake Elliott (3/3 FGs, 2/2 XPs) knocked in a 36 yard score with 3:20 left in the First before both teams exchanged punts to end the quarter.
Second Quarter:
Tampa Bay began the quarter with a well maintained drive of their own and came away with a McLaughlin 33 yard FG. The Philadelphia Eagles promptly answered with an 8 play 84 yard drive (6 pass, 2 run) ending in a Jalen Hurts to Zaccheaus 34 yard TD pass.
The teams would then go on to trade interceptions, before Tampa Bay fumbled on a short pass from Mayfield (15-25, 146 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) to R. White. The Eagles James Bradberry (who returned from injury) scooped up the ball to give the Birds one final scoring opportunity of the Half. The Eagles did just that, easily moving the ball into Elliott range; where he promptly converted a 38 yard FG as time expired.
Third Quarter:
The Philadelphia Eagles took the opening kickoff of the second half and wasted no time in adding to their lead. Fueled by First half adjustments, the Eagles easily matriculated down the field (13 play 75 yard drive), eating 5:48 off the clock; culminating in a Jalen Hurts “tush push” TD.
Unable to do anything with their possession Tampa Bay was forced into punting the ball away; after 5 plays and gaining only 14 yards.
However, an untimely interception by Hurts (3); who has now recorded half of his entire 2022 total (6), gave Tampa Bay some life or so it seemed.
With the ball placed on the Eagles 1 yard line, Tampa Bay lined up desperately needing yards to give Mayfield and the floundering Buccaneers offense life. However, this was not in the cards; led by Jalen Carter (rookie) and a powerful push from the Defensive front, the Eagles stopped White in the endzone for a Safety!
On the ensuing kickoff, the Eagles would manage the clock and come away with a Field Goal; extending their lead to 25-3, taking firm control of the game as it entered the final quarter.*
Fourth Quarter*:
Tampa Bays’ final offensive possession yielded a 9 play, 75 yard Touchdown drive, plus a converted 2 point conversion. 25-11
The Philadelphia Eagles would receive the following kickoff and never give the ball back. Running a masterful 15 play, 68 yard drive taking all remaining minutes off the clock.
Take Away:
Returning players (from injury) Bradberry and Blankenship helped anchor a dominant defensive performance. It allowed the front 7 to do what they do best; pressure the quarterback, stimmy the run, and disrupt the passing game. Forcing 1 interception, 1 fumble, and multiple QB hurries; the Eagles were in complete control.
As for the Offense, let’s be abundantly clear: the Philadelphia Eagles will run all over you and there’s little you can do about it. The Offensive line is tops in the NFL and on short yardage down & distance they are difficult to counter.
The passing game still has questions, but improved upon its early Week 1 & 2 performance. Jalen Hurts still appears to be apprehensive with some of his attempts and his running game is certainly dialed back. Asked after the game if anything was wrong or if he had noticed any decline in his performance; Hurts said, “We’re not a finished product.”
From a Fans perspective, winning cures all ailments and the Philadelphia Eagles sit atop the NFC East at 3-0. Furthermore, they along with the San Francisco 49ers & Miami Dolphins remain as the only undefeated teams entering Week 4.
Philadelphia will host the Washington Commanders at 1pm; as the month of October and Divisional play begins.
Go Birds!
