The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Houston Texans 29-17 on Thursday night. The Eagles improved to 8-0 while the Texans dropped to 1-6-1. The Eagles had never started a season 8-0 before this season, but they made history tonight.
The Texans made an early statement, surprising many by scoring the game’s first touchdown. Quarterback Davis Mills led the team down the field and the 75-yard drive was capped by a 2-yard touchdown reception by Teagan Kittoriano.
The Eagles started deep in their own territory, but managed to drive 91 yards, getting on the board thanks to a 2-yard rushing TD by Miles Sanders.
The Eagles had turned the ball over just twice this season before this game, but the Texans’ defense led to quarterback Jalen Hurts forcing a fumble by Steven Nelson and a fumble recovery by Johnny Johnson. The Texans couldn’t cash in on the price.
Philly stormed back, taking its first lead on a 79-yard drive. Kenneth Gainwell punched it into the end zone on a 4-yard rush.
Before the two-minute warning of the first half, Dameon Pierce took the ball 36 yards to set up Houston’s offense. Pierce was a key part of the offense and finished the half with 13 carries and 88 yards. Chris Moore’s pass in the end zone was initially ruled incomplete, but was converted to tie the game.
CJ Gardner-Johnson intercepted Mills and on the next play the Eagles scored a point to regain the lead. AJ Brown’s 17-yard reception made it 21-14.
The Texans put up three in the third quarter to narrow the Eagles’ lead.
Philadelphia’s lead expanded in the fourth quarter thanks to a 4-yard touchdown reception by Dallas Goedert and a successful two-point conversion by Harts rushing up the middle.
Mills’ second interception sealed the Texans’ fate and the Eagles ran out the clock to come away with the victory.
Why did the eagles win?
The Eagles didn’t play at their usual level, but they didn’t fall far behind, especially against a winning team. Coming into the game, the Eagles had scored more points in the second quarter of games alone than the Texans had all season, but this matchup was a different story.
The Eagles were a bit nervous that they weren’t as dominant as they were, but despite their low confidence they were able to grind it out and come away with it in the end.
Quarterback Jalen Harts went 21 of 27 for 243 yards and two touchdowns and continues to be the leader this team needs. His ability to throw down the field is affected, when he moves or presses, he differs from other quarterbacks in the league.
Miles Sanders led the team with 17 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown. Dallas Goedert had eight receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown.
The defense came up big with two key interceptions, and the biggest part of those turnovers came when the Eagles capitalized on one and two runs late in the fourth quarter. Javon Hargrave has six tackles and three sacks.
Why did the Texans lose?
The Texans started out strong, but struggled to close the deal. They’ve kept up with the Eagles for most of the season, but let Philly extend their lead late.
Mills’ two interceptions didn’t help matters, and unlike the Eagles, the Texans’ defense forced a turnover and their offense didn’t capitalize on the game.
The Texans were 2-for-4 in the red zone while the Eagles were 4-for-4 in red zone play. A field goal that would have been a touchdown and an interception in Eagles territory were two major factors in the loss.
turning point
A Mills pass intended for Moore was intercepted by CJ Gardner-Johnson, who now leads the league with five. The Eagles turned the interception into a fumble and gave the team the lead for the rest of the game.
See the interlude here.
The game of the game
James Bradbury seals the win with a late interception. watch out:
What’s next?
The Texans will face the New York Giants in Week 10. The Giants currently sit at 6-2 and have surprised many NFL fans with an amazing season. The Giants have a bye this weekend after falling to the Seahawks in Week 8.
The Eagles have an NFC East matchup next week on “Monday Night Football” when they host the Washington Chiefs. The Chiefs are 4-4 over their last three games. They face the 6-1 Minnesota Vikings this weekend.