Baller Alert’s Team of the Week: Philadelphia Eagles

There’s nothing like a star player returning to his former city with a vengeance to amp up an already highly anticipated rivalry game. That was the big storyline going into the Week 3 matchup between NFC East division rivals Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins. Wide receiver Desean Jackson played with the Philadelphia Eagles for six seasons before they unexpectedly cut him; he was later picked up by the Redskins and Sunday afternoon was his first time facing his old team since his release. It was a game filled with high scores and high tensions (there was even a big brawl that erupted in the fourth quarter) but at the end of the day, the Philadelphia Eagles were the stronger team and that is why they are BA’s Team of the Week.

The game got off to an explosive start with Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins throwing a touchdown pass on the opening drive. Just a few seconds later, the Redskins kicked the ball off to Eagles running back Chris Polk, who ran it back 102 yards for a touchdown. It was Polk’s first ever NFL kickoff return and it was definitely one to remember! On the next drive, the Redskins were able to move the ball down to the 24 yard line before Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham forced a fumble, but it was eventually recovered by the Redskins. The Redskins saved themselves from committing a turnover and Cousins threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Pierre Garcon to make the score 14-7 at the end of the first quarter. At the start of the second quarter, the Eagles had possession of the ball but running back Darren Sproles fumbled and it was recovered by the Redskins. The Redskins moved into Eagles territory but the defense was able to hold them to a field goal, making the score 17-7. On the first play of the next drive, Eagles quarterback Nick Foles threw the ball to wide receiver Jeremy Maclin who ran it for 80 yards into the end zone but due to a penalty, the touchdown was nullified. The Eagles were able to make the best out of it anyway. Eight plays later, Foles found rookie wide receiver Jordan Matthews in the end zone for Matthews’ first touchdown of his NFL career. Leading the game 17-14, the Redskins were able to move the ball to the 26 yard line before getting stopped on 3rd down by the Eagles defense, forcing them to kick another field goal. The Eagles had possession with a little over a minute left in the first half and Foles passed the ball quickly down the field, finding his receivers Matthews and Maclin. With 13 seconds left, Foles successfully connected with Jordan Matthews once again for his second touchdown catch of the day and the Eagles went into the locker room at halftime with a 21-20 lead.

The Eagles offense received to start off the second half and kicked a field goal on their first two possessions to increase their lead to 27-20. On the other side of the ball, the Eagles defense forced the Redskins to punt on their first two possessions. Things started to heat up at the end of the third quarter when Desean Jackson got open downfield and caught a deep pass from Cousins, taunting his old teammates as he ran backwards into the endzone for a touchdown. Going into the fourth quarter, the score was all tied up at 27. We all know that no classic rivalry game is complete without a fight. Halfway through the 4th quarter, Foles threw a pass intended for tight end Brent Celek. The pass appeared to be intercepted by the Redskins and after the play, Redskins nose tackle Chris Baker delivered a huge hit on Foles, landing him on his back. Foles’ teammates quickly came to his defense and a brawl broke out on the sidelines between the two teams. As a result, Baker and Eagles left tackle Jason Peters were ejected from the game. Upon further review of the interception, the call was reversed as the Redskins player never had possession of the ball before it hit the ground. The Eagles got the ball back, moved down the field, and Foles completed a pass to Maclin for a 27 yard touchdown. The Eagles defense came up big on the next drive when safety Malcolm Jenkins intercepted Cousins and gave the ball right back to the Eagles, who were able to kick a field goal and make the score 37-27. Running back Roy Helu gave the Redskins a ray of hope late in the game when he ran for a huge 55 yard gain and then followed it up with a 1 yard run touchdown to make the score 37-34. Still down by 3, the Redskins were able to force a quick 3 and out and get the ball back, in an effort to tie or take the lead. But the Eagles defense was ready for them. The Redskins tried running the ball and passing the ball but were unable to make anything happen and turned the ball over after an incomplete pass attempt on 4th down. After the two minute warning, the Eagles had the final possession and Foles took a knee to end the game, barely surviving the Redskins.

With that close win, the Eagles remain one of the few undefeated teams left in the NFL. Can they keep their win streak alive next week versus Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers? You’ll have to watch to find out!

Now what’s football without the fine football players hiding underneath those pads and helmets? Each team definitely has its share of cuties and the Philadelphia Eagles are no exception! Let’s take a look at LB Mychal Kendricks, CB Brandon Boykins, and LB Marcus Smith.

#95 Mychal Kendricks – Linebacker

There’s only one word to describe this man: FINE. Just ask Rihanna. She made him her MCM a few months ago, she knows the deal. Mychal played for the University of California – Berkeley before being drafted by the Eagles in 2012. Unfortunately, he is currently out with a calf injury but should be returning in a couple of weeks. We definitely look forward to seeing him back on the field! #22 Brandon Boykin – Cornerback

Last season, cornerback Brandon Boykin was credited with making a huge play at the end of the game against the Dallas Cowboys that helped his team to secure the 2013 NFC East division title. He looks to continue making big plays for the Eagles this year as one of their impact players on defense. Unfortunately it looks like Brandon’s off the market but at least he makes for some good NFL eye candy!

#90 Marcus Smith – Linebacker

Linebacker Marcus Smith is a first year rookie straight out of the University of Louisville. He was the Eagles’ first draft pick back in May. With Mychal Kendricks inactive for the game this past Sunday, Marcus finally had the opportunity to step up and see some playing time at the linebacker position. He did a great job, and looked good doing it too!

About RubyWoo

Check Also

Celebrating Women's History Month! Every Time Amerie Made Us Dance & Fall In Love

Celebrating Women’s History Month! Every Time Amerie Made Us Dance & Fall In Love

Singer and songwriter Amerie came onto the scene in 2002 with her debut album, “All …

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Baller Alert

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading