Takeaways from Philadelphia Eagles' Week 13 Win
Photo Credit: EaglesWire - USAToday
Gardner Minshew delivered in his first start for the Philadelphia Eagles, orchestrating a flawless performance in a 33-18 victory over the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium Sunday afternoon. Minshew, who finished 20 of 25 for 242 yards and two touchdowns (133.7 rating), led the Eagles to scores on their first seven offensive possessions against a Jets defense ranked amongst the worst in the NFL.
Minshew, filling in for an injured Hurts (ankle), had a dominant first half that got the Eagles' offense going before their defense settled in. He completed his first 11 passes in the game and had two passing touchdowns to start the game. Minshew found Dallas Goedert twice for touchdowns in the first half, as Goedert had five catches for 98 yards in the opening 30 minutes. Kenny Gainwell also had an 18-yard touchdown run that gave the Eagles a 21-18 lead with 4:30 remaining in the second quarter. In the first half, Minshew was 14 of 15 for 188 yards and two touchdowns for a perfect 158.3 passer rating -- sparking the Eagles' offense to a much-needed victory to stay in the NFC playoff race.
Photo Credit: EaglesWire - USAToday
The Jets scored on their first three possessions, but kicker Alex Kessman, who was promoted to the active roster this week, missed his first two extra points in the game. New York went for two on its third touchdown, but the pass attempt was incomplete. Zach Wilson, who hadn't thrown a touchdown pass in the first half all year, had two touchdown passes in the opening 30 minutes. Elijah Moore had a touchdown catch, his sixth in the last seven games.
Philadelphia's defense shut down New York in the second half, forcing an interception and a turnover on downs as the Jets went scoreless on three second half possessions. The Eagles controlled the time of possession, rushing for over 175 yards for the sixth consecutive game the first time the franchise has done that in 72 years. Miles Sanders led the Eagles' rushing attack with a career-high 24 carries for 120 yards(still no touchdowns). Goedert had six catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. Philadelphia scored 19 unanswered points to close the game.
Minshew is no stranger to being a starting quarterback in this league, he took over the starting role from former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles due to an injury and never looked back. Minshew led Jacksonville to a 6-6 record and had an impressive rookie season by the time it concluded. His 133.7 passer rating was the highest for an Eagles starter since Foles (141.4) in the 2017 NFC Championship Game.
Written By: Chris Lahiff
Courtesy of: CEVsports.com
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