As two of the top teams in the NFC battled for potential playoff shake-ups, the Philadelphia Eagles dropped to the visiting Seattle Seahawks by the final score of 24-14.
Just as many expected, it was a defensive show as two of the top defenses in the NFC went head-to-head. With 22 minutes of play in the first half, the Eagles held running back Marshawn Lynch to just 39 first half yards on 12 carries. The Seahawks offense would also hold the Eagles’ top rusher LeSean McCoy to 39 on the ground.
Early in the first half, the Eagles struck first following a Seattle turnover. After a botched snap on a punt attempt, tight end Zach Ertz recovered and advanced the ball to the Seattle 14. The Eagles took over, relying heavily on the legs of LeSean McCoy who had a crutial first down in the redzone, The first down run set up a one-yard strike from Mark Sanchez to Jeremy Maclin, his tenth touchdown catch of the season.
Russell Wilson and the Seahawks offense responded with a 26-yard Wilson touchdown run. Wilson led the first half in rushing with 43 yards on five carries.Wilson’s first half spotlight fell on his multiple third and long conversions to keep possessions alive.
The Eagles offense saw very limited time on the field in the first half with four possessions resulting in punts after relatively short drives. Sanchez finished the first half just 4/9 with 28 yards and a touchdown. As a team, the Eagles only racked up 67 first half yards.
On the Eagles first possession of the second half, McCoy coughed up a costly fumble, giving Seattle the ball back. The Seahawks would take advantage with a 15-yard touchdown catch by Lynch to give the Seahawks the extended lead.
The Eagles would respond on their next possession as Ssanchez connected with Ertz on a 35-yard pass and catch for a touchdown. Wilson and the Seahawks would come back with touchdown pass and catch of their own as Wilson connected with wide receiver Doug Baldwin for a 23-yard score.
Later in the second half, a desparation throw from Sanchez landed in the arms of Tharold Simon that helped Seattle seal their ninth win of the season and drop the Eagles to 9-4.
Next week, the Eagles will host the division rival Dallas Cowboys as both teams continue to vie for the first place spot in the NFC East.
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