The Philadelphia Eagles have once again proven their resilience, overcoming a slow start in Baltimore to defeat the Ravens 24-19 on Sunday. This crucial victory improves their impressive record to 10-2 and solidifies their position at the top of the NFC East. The win was a full team effort, with the defense shutting down a high-powered offense after the first quarter and key plays on offense and special teams making the difference.
A Tale of Two Halves for the Eagles
The game did not begin as planned for Philadelphia. The offense struggled to find any rhythm in the first quarter, with quarterback Jalen Hurts starting just 1-for-5 for a mere 5 yards. Baltimore, on the other hand, came out firing, as Lamar Jackson led the Ravens to a 9-0 lead while accumulating 133 yards of offense.
However, the tide began to turn dramatically after the initial period. The Eagles’ defense, under the guidance of coordinator Vic Fangio, made critical adjustments. They completely stifled the Ravens’ attack, allowing only three more points until a meaningless touchdown late in the game.
“We just stick to the plan and let the game unfold,” safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson said, highlighting the team’s composure under pressure.
Defense Dominates the Day
The defensive unit was the star of the show. They relentlessly pressured Lamar Jackson, sacking him three times and disrupting the Ravens’ passing game. The run defense was equally stout, holding the formidable Derrick Henry to 82 yards on 19 carries, preventing him from taking over the game.
Head coach Nick Sirianni mentioned that the coaching staff used past experiences, like their 2022 game against Henry, as a motivational tool. The preparation clearly paid off. Key moments included a powerful fourth-quarter tackle by rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean, which exemplified the team’s physical and determined mindset.
The defensive performance was a statement of intent, showcasing a unit ready for playoff-caliber football. Some of the key defensive achievements included:
- Holding the Ravens to just 7 first downs after their hot start.
- Sacking Lamar Jackson 3 times.
- Keeping Derrick Henry under 100 yards rushing.
Gritty Offense and Special Teams Seal the Deal
While the offense had a rocky start, it made the plays that mattered most. The game-winning score came from a powerful 25-yard touchdown run by Saquon Barkley. Although Jalen Hurts didn’t post huge numbers, completing 11 of 19 passes for 118 yards, he managed the game effectively and avoided costly mistakes.
Hurts remains focused on the team’s progress rather than individual statistics. “I don’t believe in momentum. It’s just about striving to be the best team we can be,” he stated after the win.
Key Offensive Performers
| Player | Key Stat | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Jalen Hurts | 11/19, 118 Yards | Efficient game management |
| Saquon Barkley | 25-Yard TD Run | Game-winning score |
| DeVonta Smith | Team Support | Contributed from the sideline while injured |
Special teams also played an instrumental role in the victory. Punter Braden Mann was exceptional, consistently flipping field position in Philadelphia’s favor. He pinned the Ravens inside their own 5-yard line three separate times, making it incredibly difficult for their offense to mount long drives.
Learning from the Past, Looking to the Future
With last season’s late collapse still in recent memory, the team is determined not to repeat its mistakes. “We don’t care about last year,” Sirianni insisted. “This is a different team that’s gelling and meshing on all cylinders right now.”
The NFC playoff picture looks different this year, with the Detroit Lions emerging as a top contender alongside teams from Minnesota and Green Bay. Veteran tackle Lane Johnson acknowledged the challenges ahead, especially with locker room leaders like Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox now retired.
“Do you want to lapse and think you have it made?” Johnson asked rhetorically. He emphasized that the team’s success comes from its ability to learn from mistakes and stay focused on the present moment.
Sirianni summed up the team’s philosophy perfectly. “We’re boring, but the monotony gets results,” he said, referring to their steady, one-game-at-a-time approach that has led to an eight-game winning streak.
