NFC East Power Rankings Week 2: Cowboys defense might be the best in the NFL
By Randy Gurzi
NFC East Power Rankings No. 2: Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)
Early on during their first game, it appeared the Philadelphia Eagles were going to run away with a win over the New England Patriots. They were up 16-0 in the first quarter but then surrendered 14 unanswered.
They were still in control late into the fourth, taking a 25-14 lead when Jake Elliott hit a 51-yard field goal — which was his fourth make on the day and his second from more than 50. But then, they allowed the Pats to make it close.
Mac Jones and Kendrick Bourne connected on an 11-yard touchdown pass with just 3:37 to go. Then, Jalen Hurts fumbled the ball away, setting up the Pats at their own 27. They were fortunate the defense held and turned it over on downs, but they gave them one final shot with 1:32 to go.
Patriots force the fumble! Huge turnover for the NE defense
— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023
📺: #PHIvsNE on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/Z4e9qDk9Pw
Jones nearly pulled off a huge play to keep them alive but Kayshon Boutte was unable to get both feet down and they again turned it over on downs.
Hurts and the Eagles know they got away with one and have to be better on Thursday night against the Minnesota Vikings. Not only will the Vikings be looking to prove their loss to Tampa Bay in Week 1 was a fluke but they'll want revenge for a Week 2 loss to the Eagles last season.