It wasn’t the most explosive first half, but Philadelphia rode the emotion of Nick Foles’ retirement and a raucous crowd to keep Atlanta out of the end zone late in the first half. The Eagles hold a 7-6 lead heading into the second half.
Playing without A.J. Brown, Philadelphia used a DeVonta Smith touchdown catch to establish a 7-3 first-half lead before the Falcons pulled within one.
With the second half set to begin, here are takeaways and observations from the first half.
Britain Covey gets early snaps
Primarily a punt returner, Covey joined DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson for the second snap, lined up as an outside receiver. Covey had two catches in the first half, for six yards on two targets.
RB Comparision
Monday saw a matchup of two similar running backs with the veteran Saquon Barkley, and second year running back Bijan Robinson. Through two quarters, Robinson has the lead. The Falcons star has 10 carries for 72 yards, and one catch for 72 yards. Barkley has eight carries for 37 yards rushing in the first half.
Jalen Carter being disciplined
Whether it was a punishment or by some design, Eagles star defensive tackle Jalen Carter didn’t see a snap in the game’s first series. He was back in the lineup for the second series. CArter finished the first half with one tackle.
Jalen Hurts the rusher
DeVonta Smith showing out
Smith was going to be the focal point of the Eagles offense with A.J. Brown out and the Heisman Trophy winner rose to the occasion. Smith had three catches for 30 yards and a touchdown on the Eagles four possessions.
