Well, that was more stressful than it had to be. The Eagles found a way to win, and that’s what many of us were hoping to see. Adversity hit hard, but they responded, even if it took them until the fourth quarter to get going. I’m very proud of this team. While it wasn’t pretty, they got the job done. Let’s dive into some of my observations from the game:

1. Let’s start with Jalen Hurts—he’s the QB, and naturally, he’ll get the most attention, whether positive or negative. Hurts had a frustratingly “okay” first half; that’s the only way to describe it. The terrible pick in the end zone took points off the board, and then there was the fumble while scrambling. The interception was inexcusable—you can’t take points away like that. I understand liking the matchup, but everything had to go perfectly, and it didn’t. As for the fumble, while frustrating, it wasn’t the worst thing. If he’d escaped the rush and picked up a first down, no one would be criticizing the play. Yes, he should have kept two hands on the ball, but you live and die by those plays. In the second half, without two of his top five linemen and his top two receivers (Smith got hurt midway through), he led a 69-yard touchdown drive. What more can you ask of your QB? I’m proud of him—this was a big-time win for Hurts.

2. Dallas Goedert had a huge game—catching 10 passes for 170 yards, and we needed that. He filled up the stat sheet and made plays when it mattered most. His one-handed catch on 3rd and 5 was a thing of beauty, and then the massive 61-yard reception on the final possession set up the game-winning TD. With Smith and Brown out, Goedert stepped up and became the go-to guy, making the most of his opportunities. This could be the game that gets him rolling.

3. Saquon Barkley is as good as advertised—it’s surreal to turn on my TV and see him in an Eagles uniform. I know some teams neglect the RB position, treating it as a dying breed, but an elite running back can change the game, and Saquon did just that today. When the offense was struggling, he found a way. Finishing with 17 carries for 147 yards and 2 TDs, his 65-yard TD run was the spark we desperately needed. Without that play, I’m not sure we’d be celebrating this win. And for those who said he’d be the next DeMarco Murray, they’ve got to be feeling foolish now.

4. Big shoutout to Tyler Steen and Fred Johnson—coming off the bench and having to battle a stout Saints defensive line. Yes, there were some hiccups, but you couldn’t have asked for better performances from these two. If Mekhi Becton or Lane Johnson miss extended time, I feel confident Steen and Johnson can be serviceable short-term replacements.

5. The defense came to play today—several players stood out, but let’s start with the defensive line. Jalen Carter was a force, blowing up run plays and pressuring the QB, even tallying two pass deflections. Jordan Davis had a sack, which isn’t bad for a run-stuffer. And on the Saints’ last offensive play, it was great to see Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, and Bryce Huff meeting at the QB for a sack party. Against the run, they held Alvin Kamara to 87 yards on 26 carries (3.3 YPC), showing they were ready. Most importantly, Vic Fangio adapted, which is exactly what we need from the coaching staff. An awesome performance all around.

6. The linebackers were flying around—Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean had standout games. Baun racked up 13 tackles, and Dean added 8. Both played much better than last Monday. I liked how they used Baun, lining him up at EDGE at times and as an off-ball linebacker in others. His versatility has been a pleasant surprise this season. Both Baun and Dean are about average in coverage, but their ability to come downhill and make plays is something to be excited about.

7. Quinyon Mitchell almost had another pick—it’s only a matter of time before he snags one. He flashed some recovery speed on the pass attempt to Rashid Shaheed (the pressure helped, of course). Darius Slay had a nice pass breakup, too, capping off a solid game for him. Avonte Maddox’s name wasn’t called, and for a cornerback, that’s a good thing. Reed Blankenship played well and came up with the game-winning pick. C.J. Gardner-Johnson played like he had a chip on his shoulder—he’s extra, but I love it. His fire and intensity are something this Eagles team needed.

8. A key sequence deserves attention—after the blocked punt, the Saints were at the Eagles’ 27-yard line, eventually reaching a 3rd & 1. Kamara took the direct snap, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson met him in the middle for no gain. Then, on 4th & 1, instead of kicking a field goal, the Saints went for it. Kamara tried to bounce it outside, but Brandon Graham blew up the play, and Zack Baun finished with a huge tackle. That stop resulted in a turnover on downs, and four plays later, Saquon took off for a huge touchdown.

9. Now, let’s get a little negative—Nick Sirianni’s decisions have been suspect since last season. He’s letting his ego and emotion control his calls. I understand wanting to trust your guys on 4th and 4, but sometimes you have to take the points. That lost the Eagles a game last week and almost cost them again today. I’m starting to question if Sirianni is a good coach. The players seem to like him, but he needs to figure things out soon. He’s on the hot seat, and he’ll stay there unless he adjusts.

10. The Saints are a dirty team—what was that? The hit on DeVonta Smith was beyond dirty. Even if you don’t want to blame the defender, where were the refs? That was 100% targeting, and it’s a shame nothing was called. The incident with Darius Slay was even crazier—it looked straight out of The Longest Yard. You can’t let that slide; someone should’ve been ejected. People got hurt who shouldn’t have.

11. Bonus observation: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—I’m proud of this team. The defense held the league’s hottest offense to just 12 points, and the offense, despite facing adversity, overcame every obstacle. I don’t think last year’s team would’ve done that. After the Falcons game, a lot of us were hurting, but this win feels so good. Let’s hope we get healthier and ride this momentum into next week.