NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
Eagles’ takeaway problem evaporates at perfect time vs. Bengals originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
CINCINNATI — It wasn’t for lack of trying.
The Eagles have been harping on takeaways for weeks and they had gotten close plenty of times. But after six games, Vic Fangio’s defense had a grand total of two forced turnovers all season. Two.
“We’ve got to get off the schneid there and get some takeaways,” Fangio said this week. “We really do.”
It finally happened on Sunday in the Eagles’ dominant 37-17 win over the Bengals in Cincinnati. The Eagles doubled up their season total.
The Eagles had two takeaways in a game for the first time since last November. And under Nick Sirianni, the Eagles are now 14-2 in games where they take the ball away at least twice.
“They come in bulk,” said C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who had a fourth-quarter interception. “Once one comes, they all start rolling. It’s a long season so it’s one of many for everybody. Punch-outs, interceptions, whatever it may be.”
Gardner-Johnson’s interception at the 12:21 mark of the fourth quarter was a huge play. The Eagles were up 10 at that point but the game was still in reach for the Bengals when Joe Burrow heaved up a deep ball to Pro Bowler Ja’Marr Chase down the ride sideline.
Not long before that play, veteran Darius Slay left with a groin injury so Burrow went after Slay’s replacement, Isaiah Rodgers.
Rodgers knew the Bengals were going to go after him and he was ready.
In 1-on-1 coverage against one of the best receivers in the NFL, Rodgers made an incredible play, batting the pass into the waiting hands of Gardner-Johnson.
“It’s a hell of a play by Zay,” Gardner-Johnson said. “Hell of a play by Zay. To be honest with you, he’s a great receiver, great matchup. I just had faith in my guy. I just knew that if he wasn’t going to get it, nobody was going to get it or we gonna get it.”
Rodgers said he initially tried to reel in the interception with one…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-takeaway-problem-evaporates-perfect-110000368.html
Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia
Publish date : 2024-10-28 11:00:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
