Backup backs come up big in ‘gritty’ win
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Relax, Eagles fans. All that panicking is over — for this week, at least — after a sluggish, winless start.
Darren Sproles sparked the Eagles with an 89-yard punt return for a score and added a 1-yard touchdown run, the defense caused four turnovers, and Philadelphia got its first win of the season by holding on to beat the New York Jets 24-17 on Sunday.
“I feel like the first couple of weeks, there was a lot of pressure on us,” quarterback Sam Bradford said. “I feel like we were all pressing a little bit. It’s just nice to get that first one.”
Bradford threw a TD pass to Ryan Mathews, who also rushed for 108 yards on 25 carries while starting in place of the injured DeMarco Murray. The Eagles (1-2) improved to 10-0 all-time against the Jets (2-1), who were coming off a victory at Indianapolis last Monday night.
“I thought it was gritty,” Eagles head coach Chip Kelly said.
The Eagles were the ones left standing.
Ryan Fitzpatrick threw touchdown passes to Brandon Marshall and Jeremy Kerley but was intercepted three times. The last one, by Walter Thurmond with 3:28 left, helped seal the victory over the Jets, who held the Eagles scoreless after halftime.
Nick Folk kicked a 53-yard field goal with 2:34 remaining, but Seyi Ajirotutu recovered the onside kick and the Eagles ran out the clock to avoid their first 0-3 start since 1999.
With Murray out with a hamstring injury, Mathews and Sproles got the Eagles’ offense going as Philadelphia scored 24 straight points to open the game.
Bradford was 14-of-28 for 118 yards, while Fitzpatrick was 35-of-58 for 283 yards.