The Philadelphia Eagles were missing 40 percent of their offensive line. All-Pro Lane Johnson left the game early. DeVonta Smith was lost during the contest. A.J. Brown was sidelined as well. Head coach Nick Sirianni made questionable calls throughout the game, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads, but, when the Eagles needed big plays, two of their remaining offensive stars — Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert — delivered.
Barkley’s electric 65-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter and Goedert’s 61-yard catch that set up the go-ahead field goal helped the Eagles pull off a 15-12 victory over the Saints in New Orleans.
It wasn’t pretty, but the Eagles found a way to win and are now sitting at 2-1 on the season. Here’s what we learned from Sunday’s showdown:
Jalen Hurts can deliver under pressure.
After a shaky start to the season, Jalen Hurts had much to prove coming into this game. And, despite missing key weapons and facing an aggressive Saints defense in a hostile Superdome, he delivered. Completing 76% of his passes for 311 yards, Hurts didn’t throw a touchdown but was able to make clutch throws when it mattered most.
Missing both Smith and Brown in the clutch, and with an offensive line featuring backups on the right side, Hurts had to navigate difficult circumstances. He showed resilience in guiding the Eagles to victory.
If this version of Hurts keeps showing up, the Eagles will be in good shape going forward. He must, however, limit the turnovers.
Saquon Barkley continues to prove he can be a workhorse.
Saquon Barkley’s performance on Sunday was nothing short of spectacular. Following up a strong start to the season, he ran for 147 yards, including a game-changing 65-yard touchdown that brought the Eagles back to life in the fourth quarter.
Barkley’s ability to make plays when the team needs him most is invaluable. Through three games, he has accumulated 351 rushing yards, showing a blend of speed, power, and vision that keeps defenses on their heels.
His late-game strength is a testament to his conditioning and determination. Barkley seems just as fresh on his 25th touch as he is on his first. Philly will need to avoid the temptation to overwork him though.
Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter finally show up in the trenches
The Eagles’ defense hadn’t seen much production from interior linemen Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter in the first two games, but Sunday changed that. Davis and Carter dominated the line of scrimmage, combining for a sack, two tackles for loss, and multiple quarterback pressures.
Their performances were crucial in holding the Saints to just 219 total yards and 4.0 yards per play. When Davis and Carter are playing at this level, the Eagles’ defense is much harder to move against. This was the type of game the Eagles were hoping for when they drafted these two early in the first round.
Dallas Goedert is still a game-changer
After being relatively quiet in the first two games of the season, Dallas Goedert exploded with a career-high 170 yards on 10 catches against the Saints, setting a new franchise benchmark in the process. His 61-yard reception late in the game set up the Eagles’ game-winning field goal.
With both Smith and Brown out, Goedert stepped up and became the focal point of the offense, making several big plays throughout the game. His ability to create mismatches with defenders down the field makes him a valuable weapon in the passing game, and it’s clear the Eagles need to keep him heavily involved, even when their receiving corps is back to full strength.
The run defense found its groove.
The Eagles’ run defense had struggled in the first two games, allowing big chunks of yardage to opposing backs. But on Sunday, they clamped down, particularly against Alvin Kamara. The Saints kept feeding Kamara the ball, but the Eagles were prepared, holding him to just 87 yards on 26 carries
Nakobe Dean and the rest of the front seven were disciplined, closing gaps and tackling effectively. If the Eagles can maintain this level of play against the run, it will take significant pressure off their secondary and give them a better chance to control games.
Turnovers remain the offense's Achilles heel.
Despite their success, the Eagles’ turnover woes continued. The team has now gone 11 straight games without winning the turnover battle, a concerning trend. They’re currently minus-4 in turnover differential this season, and minus-13 over their last 11 games.
Hurts’ ball security needs to improve, and the defense needs to force more takeaways if the Eagles are going to have sustained success. Winning close games is much harder when you’re consistently giving the ball away.
Depth Chart proves worthy
With some key starters in Lane Johnson, DeVonta Smit, and Britain Covey leaving the game due to injuries, the Eagles needed backup players to fill in crucial roles, and they delivered.
Fred Johnson and Tyler Steen did an impressive job on the offensive line, while Parris Campbell, who isn’t even on the active roster after getting cut and landing on the practice squad, was called up on game day and caught a couple of key passes.
Jahan Dotson stepped up as well, and Johnny Wilson made the first catch of his career, converting it into a first down. These unsung heroes played a pivotal role in the Eagles' victory, proving that depth and readiness are essential in overcoming adversity.
Winning through adversity
There were questions specifically about Sirianni’s ability to guide the Eagles through tough moments after a frustrating end to last season. But Sunday’s game was a reminder that this team is still motivated despite facing adversity — against arguably the NFL’s hottest team.
Down multiple starters, losing the lead late in the fourth quarter, and on the road in a difficult environment, the Eagles found a way to win. The Birds’s path to victory lies within their focus and resilience and will be crucial as the season continues
