The Eagles needed some good vibes at Lincoln Financial Field, and through one half of play, Matt Patricia’s defense has been stout while holding Brian Daboll’s offense to three total points.
On offense, A.J. Brown broke DeVonta Smith’s record for receptions in a season, while Jalen Hurts moved past Cam Newton for rushing touchdowns in a season.
Philadelphia is up 20-3, with room for more efficiency.
With the second half underway, we’re looking at highlights and takeaways from the first half.
Nolan Smith off the ball
Smith can’t get any pass rusher snaps, so DC Matt Patricia gave him some reps at middle linebacker and outside linebacker during the first quarter.
This is one of those things that you see during a random August training camp practice, ask a few questions about it, file it away as interesting, and then you don't see it until the team is down 3 LBs in December. But it's also exactly why you play around with it in August. https://t.co/m33Hcxcdpa
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) December 25, 2023
The rookie had two tackles in the first half.
James Bradberry in the slot
Bradberry had two passes defended in the first half.
Darren Waller should have scored a TD as he couldn't corral that pass in. James Bradberry on the coverage.
Waller had a full step on him.#Giants get a FG out of the drive.#Eagles
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) December 25, 2023
On select downs, Patricia has moved Bradberry to the slot, and he’s still having problems in one on one coverage.
James Bradberry is playing the slot with Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks on the outside on that third down
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) December 25, 2023
Britain Covey is a Pro Bowler
Britain Covey (54-yd Punt Return) 📽️
🔹 Expected Return Yards: 10
🔹 Yards Over Expected: +44
🔹 Return Percentile: 99.2Covey currently leads the NFL in punt return yards over expected this season (+155).#NYGvsPHI | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/uj3qYB8t6v
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 25, 2023
Covey put the Eagles in scoring position after a Giants 3 and out with this 54-yard punt return.
Britain Covey's 54-yard punt return is a new career long. He's been outstanding all season. He entered the game No. 3 in the NFL in PR avg., and he ahs the most returns of 15+ yards.
Been a key contributor for the Eagles.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) December 25, 2023
Covey has been a gem since signing with the Eagles out of Utah and he’s definitely headed to his first Pro Bowl.
Britain Covey is so dangerous as a punt returner
📺: #NYGvsPHI on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/2Mgsj0ajbL pic.twitter.com/PCveiMhTwq— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2023
Shaq Leonard alive
In the first half, Leonard had 4 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, and a QB hit.
It was the first sack since the regular-season finale of the 2020 season.
Shaq Leonard making an early impact for his new team 🦅
📺: #NYGvsPHI on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/2Mgsj0ajbL pic.twitter.com/qfdjPLd5k9— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2023
Quez Watkins back in the dog house
Britain Covey, Julio Jones and Olamide Zaccheaus all saw snaps before Quez Watkins, with the punt returner Covey even getting a screen play called.
A.J. Brown had one catch, for 7 yards, while DeVonta Smith led the Eagles with 3 catches for 72 yards and the score.
Eagles defense had strong first quarter
Matt Patricia’s defense sacked Tommy Divito one time, pressured the quarterback on countless dropbacks, allowed 101 total yards, while the Giants were 1-8 on third downs.
Strong showing by the Eagles defense so far
– three-and-out
– FG
– three-and-out
– 1.8 yards per play— Brooks Kubena (@BKubena) December 25, 2023
DeVonta Smith back to back 1,000-yard seasons
A look at the play design on that long DeVonta Smith touchdown, via NextGen: pic.twitter.com/df1RST11pr
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) December 25, 2023
Smith and A.J. Brown are breaking franchise records left and right.
DeVonta Smith has caught a TD in each of his last 4 games at Lincoln Financial Field. He now has 7 receiving TDs this season, tying his career high. #Eagles
— John Gonoude (@john_gonoude) December 25, 2023
Smith joins Mike Quick (1983-1984), and DeSean Jackson (2009-2010) as the only players in franchise history to achieve this feat.
Don't blink@JalenHurts | @DeVontaSmith_6 | #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/dWu2Uka7m6
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 25, 2023
Jalen Hurts spreading th football around
Two weeks removed from only targeting three players in the passing game, QB Jalen Hurts has targeted 8 different wide receivers in the passing game.
The Eagles outgained the Giants 212 to 101 in the first half, as Jalen Hurts had 156 passing yards, 191 total yards and two total touchdowns.
Haason Reddick
Reddick had 2 tackles, 1 sack and 2 QB hits in the first half.
NO SIRRRRRRRR@Haason7Reddick + #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/VjMti1xcLG
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 25, 2023
