After losing to the Dallas Cowboys by the score of 20-10 on Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles are now 0-2 to start the 2015 NFL regular season. This is the team's worst start to a season since 2007.
The Eagles got off to a slow start in the first half of play for the second consecutive game.
The Eagles offense was forced to punt on each of their five possessions in the first half. On four of those drives, the offense went three and out. The game plan to run DeMarco Murray on early downs simply didn't work. Self-inflicted wounds also hurt the Eagles. On the third drive for the offense, wide receiver Miles Austin dropped a potential first down reception. On the fifth drive, running back Darren Sproles would of had a first down catch, but tight end Zach Ertz was called for offensive pass interference on the play.
The Eagles defense kept the team in the game.
The Eagles only allowed six points in the first half and seven points in the second half. On three of six drives in the first half, the Eagles forced the Cowboys to go three and out. On the last possession of the first half, the Eagles defense was called for five penalties resulting in five first downs for the Cowboys, but they still held the Cowboys to a field goal on that drive. In the second half, a blocked punt return for a touchdown helped the Cowboys take a 13-0 lead. Terrance Williams scored on a touchdown reception late in the game, but overall, the defense played okay enough to at least give the Eagles an opportunity.
Two starting linebackers for the Eagles got hurt in this game.
Kiko Alonso injured his left knee in second quarter and didn't return to action. Alonso missed all of the 2014 season with a ACL tear in his left knee. Mychal Kendricks pulled his hamstring during the game and also didn't make a return.
Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford made costly errors in the second half.
After going three and out on the first two possessions of the third quarter, the Eagles offense finally started to move the ball on the third drive of the second half. After converting four first downs, the Eagles were set up to close the gap to 13-7 as they had the ball on a 2nd and goal, but Bradford threw an interception to Sean Lee in the endzone on a pass intended for Ertz. The Eagles defense forced a fumble on tight end Gavin Escobar in the third quarter. On the very next play, Bradford fumbled the snap by Jason Kelce, giving the ball right back to the Dallas offense. On the sixth drive of the second half for the offense, Bradford seemed to be putting a drive together. Josh Huff and Jordan Matthews converted first downs on two consecutive plays. After that, he threw an interception to safety J.J. Wilcox.
Although 0-2 looks and feels ugly, the NFC East division is for the taking.
The Cowboys may be currently on top of the division with a 2-0 record, but they are decimated with two key injuries. The Cowboys are already without Dez Bryant for the next 10-12 weeks with a foot injury. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo suffered a fractured left collarbone in Sunday's game, and he is expected to miss significant time. The New York Giants lost to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, making them join the Eagles at 0-2. The Washington Redskins defeated the St. Louis Rams, but they are only 1-1.
The Eagles haven't got off to an ideal start, but in this league, it's about how you finish.
Michael Malia is a contributing intern for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Facebook (Michael Malia) or Twitter @Michael_Malia.
