Jalen Hurts firmly entrenched himself as the Eagles starting quarterback after a dominant performance in Philadelphia’s 32-6 season-opening win on the road.
Here are seven takeaways from the Eagles’ impressive performance in Nick Sirianni’s debut.
Eagles are going to emphasize the running game
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Philadelphia rushed the ball 31 times for 173 yards (5.6 ave) and one touchdown. Jalen Hurts pressured the Falcons defense with six carries for 62 yards. https://twitter.com/JeffSkversky/status/1437152192478302210 The Eagles will have a much better run-pass balance under Nick Sirianni.
Jalen Hurts dynamic
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Hurts was electric in the season opener, erasing any talk of a trade for at least the coming week. The second-year quarterback completed 27-of-35 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing seven times for 62 yards.
Eagles are going to harrass people on defense
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Matt Ryan passed for just 164 yards and was sacked three times, with Javon Hargrave delivering two of those. Hargrave and Hassan Ridgeway had three quarterback hits a piece on the way to 9 total for Philadelphia.
DeVonta Smith as good as advertised
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 12: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Smith is as good as advertised, becoming the first Eagles WR to catch a TD in their NFL debut since Marvin Hargrove against the Cardinals in 1990. He also became the first Eagles WR to do so on the road since Cris Carter in 1987. In all, Smith had 7 catches for 71 yards and one score.
Coach Sirianni easily motivated
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That introductory press conference feels like decades ago, but Sirianni showed the type of competitor he truly is by remember the media ridicule. https://twitter.com/BarstoolPhilly/status/1437160555140325380
Philadelphia always prepared
Sep 12, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) pulls down a touchdown pass over Atlanta Falcons safety Duron Harmon (21) during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Eagles have won five of six on an opening day going back to 2016. Philly is tied for the best opening day winning percentage since 2011.
Hurts made history
Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Per Reuben Frank, Hurts made history, joining Nick Foles, Donovan McNabb, and Randall Cunningham by completing 75% of his passes with three touchdowns and zero interceptions.
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