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

Takeaways and observations from Eagles 25-11 win over Buccaneers in Week 3

Philadelphia’s defense shut down Baker Mayfield and the Tampa offense, while the road team had a 100-yard rusher and 100-yard receiver on a night when Jalen Hurts and the offense left points on the board.

The Eagles played another sloppy contest but moved to 3-0 on the season after a 25-11 win over the Buccaneers on ABC’s Monday Night Football.

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Rookie defensive tackle and No. 9 overall pick Jalen Carter was again dominant in limited pass rush opportunities, while the Eagles secondary adjusted without Avonte Maddox in the slot, moving James Bradberry and Sydney Brown around the field.

With the Birds set to start preparation for an NFC East matchup with Washington, here are takeaways and observations from the win.

 

Jalen Hurts scores another rushing touchdown

(Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Hurts won’t get close to Steve Van Buren (71), but the Eagles star quarterback will definitely score 20 more rushing touchdowns in his career.

Dee Delaney prevents more Eagles points

Sep 25, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

A.J. Brown case of the drops

The Eagles red zone offense was 1-of-4 through three quarters and highlighted by two A.J. Brown drops mixed in.

Still the All-Pro redeemed himself strongly.

D'Andre Swift closing in on history

Swift stopped at 130 yards rushing, but it was another dynamic performance for the hometown kid.

Buccaneers had success too late

TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 25: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles hands off to D’Andre Swift #0 during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 25, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

After amassing only 99 yards through three quarters, the Buccaneers managed a nine-play, 75-yard touchdown drive and converted on the two-point conversion.

Philadelphia held a 25-11 lead with 9:22 left in the fourth quarter and milked the entire clock out on the final drive.

Kenneth Gainwell

TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 25: Kenneth Gainwell #14 of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled by Devin White #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a catch during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 25, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Gainwell didn’t get the start at running back, but had his share of touches, carrying the football 14 times, for 43 yards.

D’Andre Swift is the clear lead back, but Gainwell has a role.

Dallas Goedert heating up

Sep 25, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (88) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Goedert had five catches for 41 yards on the night, with 7 targets. The targets and attention are their, but OC Brian Johnson has to figure out more deep throws for the star tight end.

Reed Blankenship

Sep 25, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (32) reacts after intercepting the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Blankenship returned to the lineup and logged a team high seven tackles, one interception, one pass defended and one tackle for loss.

Chris Godwin held in check

(Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

James Bradberry, Sydney Brown and the Eagles defenders in the slot did an excellent job on Godwin.

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