Eagles Bucs Takeaways Undefeated

Eagles remain undefeated after fake Tush Push and Special Teams Magic vs. Bucs

The Eagles don’t need the Tush Push anymore, not when the fake works even better. Saquon Barkley scored untouched on a fake sneak, Jalen Hurts turned the formation into two shovel-pass touchdowns, and special teams chipped in with a blocked punt return as the Birds held on for a 31-25 win over the Bucs in Tampa.

That’s 20 wins in their last 21 games, and while this one had plenty of head-scratching moments, the defending champs are still unbeaten at 4-0.

Eagles First-half fireworks

The Eagles came out throwing, and it worked. Hurts was a surgeon in the first half, completing 15 of 16 for 130 yards and two scores, including two creative shovel-pass TDs to Dallas Goedert.

Special teams gave Philly an early jolt when Cameron Latu blew up a punt, Brown scooped it, and ran it back for seven. By halftime, the Birds led 21-3 and it looked like a blowout brewing.

Saquon’s fake sneak dagger

Midway through the third, up 24-13, the Eagles lined up for their patented QB sneak. Instead, Hurts pitched it to Barkley, who strolled six yards into the end zone. Perfect call. That gave Philly a commanding 31-13 cushion… at least for a few minutes.

Bucs punch back

Baker Mayfield, bum biceps and all, hit on two monster touchdowns of 77 and 72 yards and kicker Chase McLaughlin drilled field goals from 65 and 58 yards, including the longest ever in an outdoor stadium.

Suddenly it was 31-23 in the fourth quarter and every Eagles fan was sweating.

Mayfield even had the ball at the Eagles’ 11 with a chance to tie, but rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell picked him off in the end zone.

Later, Moro Ojomo sacked Mayfield on Tampa’s last gasp drive, sealing the win.

Mixed bag on offense

After that brilliant first half, the offense completely disappeared. Hurts didn’t complete a pass after halftime (0-for-8), A.J. Brown had just 2 catches for 7 yards, and Barkley managed only 43 yards on the ground.

Free AJ Brown: Eagles route concepts for their #1 WR were a disaster against the Buccaneers

Lane Johnson left again with a shoulder injury, and Jalen Carter exited with his own shoulder issue. Still, the early creativity, plus timely turnovers and special teams, gave them enough to survive.

Quinyon Mitchell Island

The rookie corner had his best game yet. The Bucs tried to pick on him all day, targeting him against rookie WR Emeka Egbuka, and it backfired. Mitchell broke up multiple passes, including a huge fourth-quarter PBU in the end zone. Along with Campbell’s interception and Ojomo’s sack, the Eagles’ young defenders closed the door late.

Quinyon Mitchell:

  • Targeted 8 times
  • Only two catches allowed
  • 6 total yards
  • ZERO touchdowns
  • 5 PBUs
  • 90.2 PFF grade

OTTNO: Broncos come to Philly on Sunday

The Eagles nearly blew an 18-point lead a week after overcoming a 19-point deficit, but style points don’t matter in the NFL. They’re 4-0, winners of 20 of their last 21, and still the team to beat. If this is them “struggling,” the rest of the league should be terrified.

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