“Oh, it’s only the Lions, this is an easy win for the Birds.”

Yeah, last season.

It can’t get much easier for the Eagles than a team that went 3-13-1 last season. But somehow, it took one drive (and 61 total penalty yards) early in the game to turn things around. 

The Philadelphia Eagles survived their season opener winning 38-35 on Sunday, September 11. Coming into the game, both teams had a lot to prove, but the Eagles fought to make the statement today. 

Jalen Hurts went 18-for-32 for 243 yards and 1 rushing touchdown. Miles Sanders, Kenny Gainwell and Boston Scott each had a rushing touchdown and James Bradberry got a defensive touchdown. 

The game started out in the Lions’ favor, earning themselves a touchdown on their first drive. The Eagles’ defense, being a lot more stacked than last year, fell through the cracks and resorted to last year’s mistakes. 

Luckily for the Eagles, those first two plays meant little to nothing. The Eagles went on to score after finding their footing and kept the Lions in a stable position of only scoring two touchdowns in the first half.

In the second quarter, the Eagles turned it around and put up 24 points, including a defensive touchdown from James Bradberry. Another beautiful play from the Eagles happened with a 54-yard pass to A.J. Brown, putting away any discussion about Jalen Hurts’ arm strength.

The third quarter was another benefitting quarter for the Eagles when Lions safety, Tracy Walker, was ejected following two personal fouls on the same play. 

The Lions brought it to a 3-point game in the fourth quarter. After losing two timeouts, one from a bad challenge and one from timing, the Eagles had their work cutout for them in the final quarter of Week 1.

As opposed to last season’s shutout win, 44-6, against the Lions, this first game was much harder for both teams. The Eagles’ defense continuously struggled throughout the game to apply pressure to the Lions’ offense, regardless of the dominant Temple pass rusher the team possesses. 

On the bright side, both teams showed a lot of promise and growth from the last season, but it is surely not enough for either team to really prove a lot in this first game. 

Now, the Eagles sit atop the NFC East alongside the Washington Commanders – yes, the Commanders – as first place in the division. 

Next week, the Eagles are home against the Minnesota Vikings for their Monday Night Football home opener.