National reactions: Eagles escape with 38-35 win over Lions in Week 1
The Eagles were expected to roll into Detroit and once again dismantle the Lions at Ford Field and for a half, that’s how things went.
Philadelphia squandered a 17-point, and the defense was dismal in allowing 35 points as the Bird escaped with a three-point win in the season opener.
Monday always provides the opportunity for national reactions.
Week 1 was no different, with multiple experts applauding the offensive outburst but questioning Jonathan Gannon’s scheme and direction in year two.
With the Vikings heading to Lincoln Financial Field for a huge Monday night matchup, here’s the national reaction to Philadelphia’s 38-35 win in Detroit.
The Athletic -- Hurts scrambles the Eagles to a win
Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
The Athletic’s Bo Wolf broke down Hurts keeping several drives alive by converting plays with his legs.
On the offense’s first play of the 2022 season, the Philadelphia Eagles dialed up a Jalen Hurts run around the left side that gained eight yards. With the game on the line late in the fourth quarter, the Eagles called Hurts’ number again to convert a fourth-down quarterback sneak. Sandwiched between those two plays, Hurts’ legs turned sloppy execution into positive results that endlessly frustrated an aggressive Lions defense. All told, he rushed 17 times for 90 yards and a touchdown. He also completed 18 of 32 passes for 243 yards, 155 of them to A.J. Brown.
94WIP -- Nick Sirianni pushed all the right buttons
(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Sirianni is a quality motivator, and 94WIP believes he made all the correct calls down the stretch.
Kevin Patra -- NFL.com
(AP Photo/Lon Horwedel)
A.J. Brown says he’s always open, and on Sunday against the Detroit, Philadelphia’s new top guy did just that, logging 10 receptions for 155-yards.
Whenever Jalen Hurts needed a big play, he looked to Brown, who tortured Lions defensive backs. On many routes, Brown’s precision got him wide open, making for easy gains. The Eagles had good offensive weapons, but Brown raises things to another level. The wideout’s chemistry with Hurts is already in midseason form. Big things are in store for the duo in 2022.
CBS Sports -- A.J. Brown monster debut
(Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
CBS Sports labeled Brown’s debut a “monster,” and he was near destructive to the Lions after posting 155-yards in a dominant fashion.
