The Eagles entered Sunday afternoon's contest pretty desperate for a win after starting the season 0-2 and looking just terrible in the process. The Birds looked like a different team in the first half at MetLife Stadium, taking a 24-7 lead to the locker room at the half against the Jets.
Let's take a quick look at some of the first half happenings. |
At 32 years old, it is safe to say that Darren Sproles has lost a step or two. Despite that, he is still fast as a hell and among the best in the game. With the Eagles leading 3-0, Sproles returned a punt 89 yards to the house, blowing by every Jets player.
Sproles would later rush for a one-yard touchdown, to become one of three players in Eagles history to record a rushing touchdown and punt return touchdown in the same game.
You knew Darren Sproles was fast but...THIS fast?
89-yard punt return to the HOUSE! #LegionOfZoom #PHIvsNYJ http://t.co/qUWE4mCqGb
— NFL (@NFL) September 27, 2015
With DeMarco Murray out, Ryan Matthews is stepping up and providing the type of play the Eagles had hoped Murray would when they signed him in the offseason. Matthews had 10 carries for 67 yards and two catches for 20 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Matthews dropped what could've probably been a 70-yard+ touchdown with all the room he had behind him on one play, but has looked great otherwise.
Brandon Marshall Is Kind of Stupid
Marshall made a 15-yard catch, but chose to try and lateral the ball back to a teammate while being tackled. The Eagles recovered the fumble, and after the play was reviewed, the call on field of a fumble was upheld. OK, there is a chance Marshall may have been down, but what the hell was he thinking?
The Eagles took advantage of one of the dumbest turnovers you’ll ever see (via @jon_bois) http://t.co/Um0nc2DyAS https://t.co/FOe2BUmzhX
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) September 27, 2015
Though the Jets' defense comes highly touted, the best defense on the field in the first half was the Eagles' by far. The Eagles defense forced five 3-and-outs in the first half and allowed just five first downs compared to the Jets' defense, which allowed 13.
The Eagles also recovered the fumble on Marshall's idiotic play. The Jets did finally find the end zone with six seconds left in the half unfortunately, so hopefully that won't give the Jets momentum heading into the second half.
By: Kyle Babcock
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