Eagles’ Ground Game Carries the Load Against Jacksonville

After trailing early, the Eagles battled back to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars on the back of their running game, 29-21.

Eagles Standard First Half

It was a rainy, windy day at Lincoln Financial Field, conditions which would make ball control the key to the game. In the first quarter, Jacksonville clearly won the battle of possession, scoring the first points of the game on a pick six. After a second stalled drive by the Eagles, the Jaguars would drive down the field again, this time ending with a Jamal Agnew score to take a 14-0 lead.

However, the tides would change in the second quarter. The Jaguars following drive ended with a Trevor Lawrence fumble which would give the Eagles life. From then, Philadelphia constructed what’s become a typical second quarter for them, putting up 20 points going into the locker room. Jalen Hurts, Miles Sanders, and Kenneth Gainwell all scored on the ground this quarter.

Defense and Run Game Highlighted the Second Half

The second half saw the game turn from an offensive battle to a defensive slugfest. However, Philadelphia’s ground game still prevailed above all.

Most notable in this half was Jacksonville’s three turnovers. Trevor Lawrence was perhaps the most effected player by the elements on the field, struggling to handle the ball. Haason Reddick was responsible for both strip sacks in the second half, and James Bradberry grabbed an interception in Eagles’ territory.

The Eagles’ running game was able to effectively salt the game away in the second half. Miles Sanders had a career day, finishing the day with 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. However, it wasn’t just Sanders who shined, with Hurts and Gainwell both getting on the score sheet. Even Trey Sermon got involved with two carries for 19 yards.

It wasn’t the day most expected–the weather limited what either offense could accomplish. However, with 210 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, the Eagles were able to effectively control the game. Shane Steichen was able to take a page out of 2021’s book in this one, and it worked to perfection for the Eagles.