Gut Reaction: Eagles Lose to Tampa Bay, Heading to Bye 2-2
In what turned out to be a
fairly predictable outcome, an Eagles team decimated by injuries put up little
fight in a 33-16 loss to Tampa Bay that only briefly felt competitive. The only
problem is that the offense was missing three major components – AJ Brown,
DeVonta Smith, and Lane Johnson – not the defense.
With less than a minute gone in
the second quarter, Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield had his third touchdown of
the day and his team had a 21-0 lead. The Bucs tacked on a field goal and Philadelphia
had a nice drive for a touchdown before the half.
A long run early in the second
half by Saquon Barkley set up an Eagles TD that cut Tampa Bay’s lead to 24-14
and Philadelphia seemed to be back in the game. Even a response touchdown by
the Bucs didn’t quite halt the Birds’ momentum, as the blocked PAT was returned
for 2 points. The score was 30-16.
Unfortunately, it really only
set up yet another key turnover this season by Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. On
the ensuing drive, the Birds had a 1st-and-10 on Tampa’s 19-yard
line. After dodging a passer rusher, Hurts held the ball in the pocket too long
and the defense forced a fumble, which they recovered.
The Bucs capped the scoring on
the day with a field goal on their drive after the fumble.
It’s tough to rip Hurts with
his two top receivers and a key offensive lineman out. But I believe he had another
fumble in the game that the Eagles recovered. I also can’t say this for sure,
but I think that the defender he dodged came back and forced the fumble. That seemed
like a pretty egregious mistake by Hurts. Tom Brady, announcing the game,
talked about the need for Hurts to get rid of the ball on that play.
Next week’s early bye is coming at a good time for the Eagles.
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