Insights and observations from the first half: The Eagles have a 14-10 lead over the Panthers

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 08: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass as Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes toward him during the first quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 08, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

The Eagles got off to another slow start in the first half, but thanks to timely defensive stops and the return of DeVonta Smith, Nick Sirianni’s team was up 14-10 at the end of the first half.

Carolina outscored Philadelphia 149-146 in the first half, and the Panthers were 3-8 on third downs while still holding the football for seven minutes.

The second half is just around the corner and here are insights and observations from the first 30 minutes.

Jalen Carter, game destroyer

The prospective All-Pro had two QB hits on Carolina’s first drive and finished the first half with two tackles, a tackle for loss and three QB hits.

First trip

Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory attribution: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Eagles’ offense has yet to score a touchdown on its first drive in 13 games. Philadelphia’s first drive covered six plays, nine yards and 2:46 to play. The Eagles had 146 total yards and took a 2-5 lead on third down.

Eagles hurt safety

Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (82) scores a touchdown past Philadelphia Eagles safety CJ Gardner-Johnson (8) in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory attribution: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Philadelphia was already without starting safety Reed Blankenship and backup safety Sydney Brown was already ruled out when CJ Gardner-Johnson was forced out with concussion symptoms. Gardner-Johnson returned, recording a tackle, two passes defended and a huge interception.

Zack Baun

Baun recorded another sack in the first quarter and finished the game with seven tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and two QB hits.

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Panthers lead the game

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 08: Chuba Hubbard #30 of the Carolina Panthers attempts to break a tackle by Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of a game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 08, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Carolina controls this game early with a rushing attack led by Chuba Hubbard. With 6:25 left to play in the second quarter, the Panthers averaged 5.7 yards on 11 carries and 70 yards rushing in the first half.

Jalen hurt ugly in the first half

Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Josey Jewell (47) sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory attribution: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Hurts had an ugly first quarter but responded down the stretch and finished the first half completing 9-14 passes for 70 yards and a passing touchdown. Hurts also had four runs for 15 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Eagles pass catchers

Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown (11) enters the field for action against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory attribution: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

AJ Brown was aimless for most of the first half before finishing with two catches for 17 yards. In his first game back after a two-week layoff, DeVonta Smith had three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown.

Bryce Young

In his return to the city where he was born, Young was 7-14 passing for 86 yards, a touchdown and a costly interception late in the first half to set up a score for the Eagles.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Takeaways, observations from the first half as the Eagles hold a 14-10 lead over the Panthers

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