Eagles 40, Packers 33
There was some serious offensive explosion in this game. The two teams combined for 27 points in the first quarter alone, and Jalen Hurts rushed for 100 yards before the second frame even began. Hurts also became the first NFL player to ever record 125 passing yards and 125 rushing yards in the first half of an NFL game.
Hurts didn’t quite break Adrian Peterson’s single-season rushing record, but he kept the chains moving the entire evening with both his arm and his legs. Hurts saw more pressure than usual behind his elite offensive line, but he ran circles around the Packers, while also torching their secondary. Meanwhile, the Packers seemed up for matching the Eagles on the scoreboard, but Aaron Rodgers was in severe pain after taking a hit right after halftime. He eventually exited, giving way to Jordan Love. Green Bay’s backup did well, but couldn’t quite catch the high-flying Philadelphia offense.
Hurts finished 16-of-28 for 153 yards and two touchdowns. He also scrambled 17 times for 157 rushing yards. Unless he gets hurt or suffers a severe slump to close out the season, he should be able to win the MVP award.
Hurts wasn’t the only Eagle to eclipse the century mark. Miles Sanders had a huge game, dashing for 143 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. He also helped in the passing game with three catches for 17 receiving yards.
Hurts’ touchdowns went to A.J. Brown (4-46) and Quez Watkins (3-35), who caught a brilliant back-shoulder pass from his quarterback. Brown lost a fumble while in Green Bay territory, and he was outgained by DeVonta Smith, who made four grabs for 50 yards.
As for the Packers, Rodgers had to leave early with a punctured lung. He tried to play, but was in agony every time he threw the ball. He finished 11-of-16 for 140 yards, two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. The first pick came off a deflection, while the second occurred because Rodgers didn’t see the safety. Love went 6-of-9 for 113 yards and a touchdown in his absence.
The Packers had success running on the Eagles in the first half, with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon combining for 77 rushing yards heading into intermission. However, the Eagles made the correct adjustments after the break, as the two backs finished with 107 combined rushing yards. Dillon led the way with 64 yards and a touchdown on eight attempts, while Jones picked up 43 yards on 12 tries. Jones made much more of an impact as a receiver with three catches for 56 yards and a score.
Christian Watson was the only receiver to outgain Jones, catching four passes for 110 yards and a 63-yard touchdown in which he put on the jets and blazed past the entire Philadelphia defense. Randall Cobb (2-19) also scored, while Allen Lazard was limited to two catches for 24 yards.
