PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles aren’t making it look pretty, but they keep winning. That was the case again on Sunday night, beating the Detroit Lions, 16-6.
The Eagles (8-2) strengthened their standing in the NFC after another stellar defensive performance against the Lions (6-4) at Lincoln Financial Field.
Here are our winners and losers from the Eagles’ fourth victory in a row.
Winner: Vic Fangio
Fangio had to be smiling in the coaches’ booth. The defensive coordinator’s unit was lights out, especially when it mattered most. The Lions were 0/5 on fourth down through three quarters. That included a fourth-and-goal stop from the Eagles’ four-yard line, clinging to a 13-7 lead with five minutes to go in the third. Sunday was a stout performance. Sure, there were a couple big screens from Jahmyr Gibbs and a long touchdown by Jameson Williams. But to hold the Lions to 0/5 on fourth down, 3/13 on third down and 74 rushing yards is impressive.
Winner: Jaelan Phillips
Phillips has been a monster since the Eagles traded for him ahead of the deadline. Against the Packers on Monday, he had seven pressures, six tackles, two quarterback hits and a fumble recovery. On Sunday vs. Detroit, he had five tackles, two QB hits and his first sack in an Eagles uniform. Sending a third-rounder to Miami is looking better and better.
Winner: Defensive tackles
A lot of credit for Phillips’ sack has to go to Jalen Carter, who blew up Detroit’s guard, causing Jared Goff’s pocket to collapse. Carter was ever present, racking up five tackles and two batted passes at the line of scrimmage. Carter wasn’t alone in doing that. Jordan Davis had two batted passes, one of which fell into the arms of Cooper DeJean for a pick. Moro Ojomo was also a factor, making a fourth-down stop on Detroit’s fake punt. The DTs came to play.
Loser: DeVonta Smith
Smith was on quite a run. In his previous three games, Smith had 19 catches for 336 receiving yards and two touchdowns. On Monday, Smith didn’t have his first catch until the fourth quarter. He would have had a catch much earlier, but the typically reliable receiver had two first-half drops. The second was particularly rough. A night to forget for No. 6.
Loser: Eagles’ offensive line
It certainly didn’t help that Lane Johnson picked up a foot injury in the first half and didn’t return. But it was kind of a mess up front. Cam Jurgens played, but the All-Pro center didn’t look right. Right tackle Jordan Mailata had a big holding penalty. Tyler Steen was flagged for a false start on the tush push; it should have been neutral-zone infraction, but Steen could have just ran the play anyway and let the refs decide. The biggest thing, though, was Saquon Barkley (75 yards on 25 carries) struggled to find space. It was negative play after negative play.
Loser: Jalen Hurts
The wind might have been a factor because Goff had a poor night, too. But this one was rough for Hurts, who completed only 14 of 28 passes for 135 yards. Hurts had a couple positive runs to move the chains. He also had a nice scramble drill to find Jahan Dotson on a 34-yard gain. Otherwise, Hurts’ downfield passes were way off.
Winner: Adoree’ Jackson
Yes, he got dusted by Williams on the 40-yard touchdown. But that happens to a lot of corners going up against the lightning-quick receiver. Otherwise, Jackson played really well. He was sticky in coverage on Detroit’s failed fourth-down attempt in the red zone; Goff targeted Amon-Ra St. Brown because Jackson was on him, and No. 8 had him blanketed. Jackson also had a crucial third-down pass breakup in the fourth quarter.
Winner: Nakobe Dean
Dean had a hell of a fourth quarter. He was tight in coverage, running stride-for-stride with Gibbs, which is a tall task, to force an incomplete pass. Then he had a massive sack on Detroit’s final drive. Dean has been playing lights out since coming off the PUP list.
Loser: Nick Sirianni
I don’t understand the decision to go for it on fourth-and-1 at your own 29-yard line, up two scores with a few minutes to go in regulation. Just punt the ball. Instead, Sirianni’s decision to go for it backfired. The tush push got stuffed, and Detroit was handed a free field goal.
Winner: Jake Elliott
Kicking was an adventure during pregame warmups. Elliott and Lions kicker Jake Bates were missing left and right (literally) with how windy it was in south Philly. Bates ended up missing a 48-yard extra-point attempt. Elliott? He made three field goals: two chip shots in the first half and a 49-yarder in the fourth quarter to make it a two-score game. Nails.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.