Eagles Week 8 game balls as Philadelphia remains unbeaten

From start to finish, the Philadelphia Eagles proved again that they are one of the best teams in the National Football League. There were a few hiccups versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. That’s okay. They’re a professional football team too, but we finally got what we’ve been clamoring for, a full sixty-minute performance.

Jalen Hurts is the first Eagles quarterback to throw four touchdown passes of 25 yards or more in 53 years. Those four touchdown passes are now a career-high. He gets a game ball for another stellar performance. As usual, we have a few more to give out as well. Who cares if we give out too many?

Give Jalen Hurts and the following Eagles game balls following Week 8’s win.

We’re trying to give a few guys other than Jalen Hurts a game ball. We truly are, but he won’t let us. Hey, we won’t complain.

We already know that he’s a legitimate MVP candidate, but let’s talk about a few of his other teammates as well. Knowing what we know about QB1, we’re sure he won’t mind. Here’s a tip of the cap to a few other Eagles that had monster days.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson, safety

C.J. Gardner-Johnson is still learning how to play safety at football’s highest level, and he’s doing a fine job. Week 8 marked the second game in a row that he hauled in an interception, and he has three over that stretch. It’s still early in the season, but we hope the Eagles find a way to keep him around.

A.J. Brown, wide receiver

There was nothing Steelers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon could do versus A.J. Brown (other than hope Jalen Hurts threw the ball in someone else’s direction). Number 11 had a field day, hauling in six receptions for 156 yards and reaching the end zone three times. Both of those numbers are career highs for A.J.  We’re glad we were there to see it.

Zach Pascal, wide receiver

Zach Pascal isn’t playing around. He already warned you guys prior to the season.

Some of you believed he was a better version of J.J. Arega-Whiteside, another enforcer with better hands, but as he once said, “Don’t sleep on me. I’ll route your (expletive) up”. In Week 8, he earned his opportunity to make a play and made the most of it.

Philly drew up a nice one, faking a screen that they’ve run to Dallas Goedert all season and taking a shot deep to Number 3. 34 yards later, Zach was in the end zone.

He does all of the dirty work and never complains. It’s good to see him rewarded for having a huge moment.

Javon Hargrave, defensive tackle

It’s been a quiet season for Javon Hargrave in many ways. The 2021 Pro Bowler had a day in Week 8 though. In total, he tallied eight tackles including one for a loss of yardage, two sacks, and a forced fumble. His forced fumble led to Philly’s final TD on the day.

Zech McPhearson, cornerback/special teamer

The Eagles may not be good on special teams, but Zech McPhearson is an exceptional player in that unit. He’s responsible for Philadelphia’s best special teams play of the day.

He continues to excel as a gunner, hustling downfield at one point of the third quarter and getting his hands on the ball to down one and begin a Steelers drive at their own one-yard line. Pittsburgh advanced the ball to midfield, but Javon Hargrave got his hands on Kenny Pickett to force a fumble. The Birds scored two plays later.

Kudos to McPhearson for doing all that he could to create a long field.

James Bradberry, cornerback

The Steelers entered Week 8 with an obvious plan. Ignore Darius Slay’s side of the field and attack James Bradberry. Number 24 had his toughest day since joining the Birds as a result.

He drew two flags, one for defensive holding and another for defensive pass interference, but more often than not, he was up to the task. As far as we are concerned, his Pro Bowl campaign is intact.

Philly improves to 7-0 on the campaign. Next up on the schedule is a trip to Houston to take on the Texans.