From PhillyVoice · · 4m
Eagles escape Titans in thriller, Hurts delivers in crunch
Philadelphia rallies from a three-point deficit with 1:54 left to beat Tennessee 24-20 and start 2-0.
In brief
Philadelphia rallies from a three-point deficit with 1:54 left to beat Tennessee 24-20 and start 2-0. Jalen Hurts proved he can win games from the pocket when forced to, leading a clutch final drive that the Eagles will need to replicate against better opponents. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Eagles escape Nashville in final seconds
Down 20-17 with 1:54 left, Jalen Hurts led the Eagles 65 yards in nine plays, hitting Darius Cooper for a three-yard touchdown with 14 seconds remaining. Philadelphia won 24-20 to start the season 2-0.
Hurts shines when forced to stay in pocket
The Titans wanted Hurts to play quarterback instead of scrambling. He threw two interceptions but also made several big-time throws from the pocket, including a 22-yard TD to DeVonta Smith on second-and-19.
Offensive line struggles in new configuration
The Eagles started Drew Kendall at center and moved Cam Jurgens to left guard. Run blocking was poor, and Saquon Barkley missed most of the first half with a shoulder stinger, averaging less than three yards per carry.
Barkley returns but finds no holes
Saquon Barkley returned in the second half after his shoulder stinger but faced the same run-blocking issues. The Titans' defensive front, which allowed 152 rushing yards to the Jets in Week 1, held firm.
Offense grade: B-plus
The offense was sporadic for most of the game but earned its grade largely on the final nine-play, 65-yard drive that won it. Pass protection had issues throughout, especially after Dallas Goedert left with a knee injury.
Defense allows big plays in second half
The Eagles' pass rush, missing Jonathan Greenard, couldn't get to Cam Ward, who found his rhythm after halftime. Secondary lapses and sloppy tackling allowed the Titans to stay in the game.
Run defense gives up 110-plus yards
The Eagles allowed Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears to gain over 110 rushing yards combined. A particularly damaging play came when Spears gained 27 yards on third-and-22 in the fourth quarter.
Ward exploits play action for big gains
Cam Ward found success with play action, connecting with Wan'Dale Robinson and Calvin Ridley for big plays. A play action rollout led to a rushing touchdown, and another set up a 41-yard gain to Elic Ayomanor.
Defense grade: C
For the second straight week, the Eagles allowed big plays in the second half due to a weak pass rush and secondary lapses. The defense hasn't played to its talent level and let the Titans hang around too long.
Special teams shine with Elliott and Mann
Jake Elliott made a 58-yard field goal, and punter Braden Mann averaged 55 yards per punt while pinning Tennessee inside their own 20 twice. Special teams earned an A grade.
Coaching grade: B-minus
Nick Sirianni's early arrival in Nashville didn't help or hurt. The bigger issue was too many protection breakdowns and free runs at Hurts. The final touchdown play was well-designed, but offensive line coaching needs improvement.
Eagles face tougher tests ahead
With the defense allowing big plays and the offensive line struggling, the Eagles will face much better offenses in the next three weeks. These issues will need to improve significantly.
First-ever win at Nissan Stadium
The victory marked Philadelphia's first-ever win at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The Eagles improved to 2-0 on the season with a slim six-point win margin in both games.
Pattern of close games continues
Like their Week 1 win against the Commanders, the Eagles escaped with a victory that felt uncomfortably close. Both wins have come by six points, raising questions about consistency.
What matters most
Jalen Hurts proved he can win games from the pocket when forced to, leading a clutch final drive that the Eagles will need to replicate against better opponents.
