Eagles versus Lions Week 1 studs and duds (and one incomplete grade)
The Eagles’ offense wasn’t perfect, but they have a lot to be proud of.
As you might imagine, a handful of Eagles battled their way onto our list of Week 1 studs. They deserve game balls for their performances.
Jalen Hurts, quarterback (stud)
There were a few rough moments. The Lions’ home crowd, again, made things tough on Philly’s offense, but Jalen Hurts answered the call.
The Eagles’ offense converted 10 of 17 third-down conversions. Three of those were the result of QB1 making things happen with his legs. Philly also converted one of two fourth-down conversions. The latter came by way of a quarterback sneak to seal the deal. Most importantly, in a tight game, Jalen Hurts didn’t turn the ball over.
In total, he racked 243 yards on 18 passing completions. He tallied another 90 yards and a touchdown run on 17 carries. He also had nice chemistry with one of the new guys.
A.J. Brown, wide receiver (stud)
Some of the concerns during training camp while watching the Eagles’ offense work stemmed from there being times when the passing attack was one-player reliant. The fear was Hurts would spend too much time looking for A.J. Brown and ignoring his other receivers whenever he was in trouble.
Today, things worked out. Ten of Hurts’ aforementioned 18 completions went to Number 11. That resulted in 155 yards receiving, the most of any Eagles receiver in his debut in franchise history. That also tied Brown’s career best.
No one will complain. A win is a win, but again, against better teams, QB1 will need to spread the ball around more.
Miles Sanders and the Eagles’ running back committee (studs)
Miles Sanders scored his first rushing touchdown since Week 15 of the 2020 NFL season, and with Trey Sermon missing this one as a healthy scratch, Philly’s other active running backs, Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell, reached the end zone as well. That’s the first time four different rushers reached the end zone for Philadelphia’s offense since 1961.