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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

Key takeaways from first half of Eagles Week 2 matchup vs. Vikings

Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson adjusted, and Philadelphia found some offensive rhythm late in the second quarter to finish the first half with a 10-7 lead on Amazon Prime’s Thursday Night Football.

The Eagles’ defense caused three first-half turnovers and kept the Vikings’ offense contained outside of a few big plays.

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Here are key takeaways and notes from the first half.

DeVonta Smith is good

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Smith got on the board early with a deep 54-yard leaping catch over Vikings safety Harrison Smith.

Smith had two catches, for 60-yards.

Jalen Hurts efficient first drive

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 14: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts as he takes the field prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on September 14, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Replacements for injured starters

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

With Reed Blankenship, Kenneth Gainwell and James Bradberry all out, Terrell Edmunds, D’Andre Swift and Josh Jobe got the start.

Jordan Davis is frightening

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Davis was active in the first quarter logging 1 tackle, 1 TFL, 1 sack and 2 QB hits.

Davis finished the first half with two quarterback hits.

Jalen Hurts interceptions ends drive

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

With the Eagles at the Vikings 44-yard line, Jalen Hurts had a pass down the deep middle intended for DeVonta Smith intercepted by by Theo Jackson at the Minnesota 35.

Justin Evans big first half

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Evans caused a fumble on a Brandon Powell punt return, and then recovered an Alexander Mattison fumble.

Evans finished the first half with two tackles.

OC Brian Johnson's first half

Brian Johnson: Photo credit: Kiel Leggere

With 42 seconds left in the first half, Johnson’s offense had 97 total yards, and Jalen Hurts led the rushing attack with five carries.

Jalen Hurts isn’t seeing the whole field, and Johnson’s first quarter offense was predictable and drew boos.

After focusing on the rushing attack, Philadelphia finished with 209 yards in the first and controlled time of possession.

Kirk Cousins

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Cousins was 13-17 passing, for 140-yards and one touchdown in the first half.

Jalen Carter

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Carter had two tackles in the first half and one tackle for loss.

Jalen Hurts

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Hurts was 10-13 passing, for 84-yards and one interception. Hurts also had nine carries, for 30-yards in the first half.

Mario Goodrich picked on

Mario Goodrich: Photo credit: Kiel Leggere

Playing in relief of an injured Avonte Maddox, Goodrich had one tackle, but was picked on in coverage.

Where is Rashaad Penny

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles free agent signing was active, but had no carries in the first half.

D'Andre Swift

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

After only seeing 18 snaps in Week 1, Swift had 12 carries for 62-yards in the first half, leading the Eagles rushing attack.

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