The Philadelphia Eagles extended their winning streak to four games with a 28-23 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9.
What initially seemed like a blowout — perhaps their easiest win of the season — quickly turned into a nail-biting finish as the Eagles saw a 16-point halftime lead evaporate in the second half.
Despite some tense moments, the Eagles held strong and secured their fourth straight win, pushing their record to 6-2 and continuing their surge toward the top of the NFC standings.
There’s a lot to unpack after this game, so let’s dive into the major takeaways and observations.
Saquon Barkley shines (again), and sets new franchise record.
Barkley was unstoppable, recording a massive 199 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.
His 1,071 yards through the season’s first eight games set a new franchise record, showcasing his value as both a rusher and receiver.
With Barkley’s mix of power and agility, the Eagles’ offense has found a rhythm that keeps defenses on edge each week.
Saquon Barkley has over 1,000 scrimmage yards for the season❗️
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 3, 2024
He's just the third Eagle since the 1970 NFL merger to reach that milestone in the first eight games of a season, joining LeSean McCoy (2011, '13) and Brian Westbrook (2007).
Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun came to play, as they continue to lead the Birds' defense.
The linebacker duo delivered under pressure. Dean and Baun combined for 12 tackles and two interceptions, helping to maintain Philadelphia’s defensive edge.
Their timely plays—Baun with crucial tackles, and Dean's game-sealing interception—stifled the Jaguars’ offense and reinforced the Eagles’ developing reputation as a turnover-generating defense.
Who is actually calling these plays? Nick Sirianni’s risk-taking nearly backfires.
Coach Nick Sirianni’s aggressive approach raised eyebrows, as two failed two-point conversions and a missed fourth-down attempt led to a nervy ending.
A missed 57-yard field goal by Jake Elliott late in the game gave Jacksonville a chance to win, but ultimately, the Eagles’ defense held firm.
While Sirianni’s tactics kept fans on the edge of their seats, the team’s resilience in critical moments proved vital.
Jalen Hurts stock continues to rise with stellar efficiency.
Jalen Hurts had another efficient outing, going 18-for-24 with 230 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air. On the ground, he contributed 13 carries for 67 yards and another score.
He’s now recorded four consecutive games with a passer rating over 119, proving his consistency and leadership as he adapts seamlessly under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Hurts’ composure under pressure and precise decision-making are solidifying him as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks this season.
DeVonta Smith adds a highlight-reel catch after A.J. Brown left the game after one half.
Devonta Smith made one of the season’s most remarkable catches, hauling in a one-handed grab in the end zone that kept the Eagles ahead.
With A.J. Brown sidelined, Smith’s three catches for 78 yards underscored his status as a reliable WR1. This spectacular display emphasized Smith’s elite playmaking ability and gave the offense a critical boost.
Incredible, DeVonta Smith.
— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2024
📺: #JAXvsPHI on CBS/Paramount+
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Thanks to Josh Sweat, the resurgence of the Eagles’ pass rush is now among us.
Philadelphia’s pass rush continues to impress, with Josh Sweat contributing two sacks. The Eagles now lead the league in sacks since Week 6, a testament to their defensive improvement.
With some help from Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, the relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks has become a cornerstone of their winning strategy.
Final thoughts before looking ahead to Dallas in Week 10.
The Eagles' 28-23 victory over the Jaguars may not have come easily, but it extended their winning streak to four games and demonstrated their ability to persevere under pressure.
With standout performances from Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and a revitalized defense led by Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun, Philadelphia is showing the depth and resilience needed to contend in a challenging NFC.
However, this game also exposed some areas for improvement, particularly around decision-making and execution in high-stakes situations.
Nick Sirianni’s questionable play-calling nearly cost them the game, reminding the Eagles of the importance of seizing opportunities to close out games when holding a sizable lead.
As the Eagles prepare to take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10, these lessons will be crucial. The Cowboys are in a slump, having lost three straight games, and the Eagles have a prime chance to extend Dallas’ woes and capitalize on Philly's current momentum.