Eagles grades by position after gutty win over Saints

**Eagles Position Grades After Gutty Win Over Saints**

The Philadelphia Eagles earned a hard-fought victory against the New Orleans Saints, pulling off a gritty 24-21 win in a contest that tested the team on both sides of the ball. Here’s a breakdown of how each position group performed, graded based on their impact in this crucial victory.

**Quarterbacks: B+**

Jalen Hurts showcased his leadership and resilience, managing the game effectively even under pressure. While he didn’t put up eye-popping numbers, Hurts made key plays when the team needed them, including a crucial touchdown pass late in the game. He avoided turnovers and extended drives with his mobility, finishing with 240 passing yards and a rushing score. Though some passes were off-target, his ability to keep the offense moving earns him a solid grade.

**Running Backs: A-**

The Eagles’ running backs were a key factor in the win, with D’Andre Swift leading the charge. Swift tallied 120 rushing yards on 18 carries, helping the Eagles dominate time of possession and wear down the Saints’ defense. Boston Scott chipped in with a touchdown on the ground, while Kenneth Gainwell made key contributions in the passing game. Their ability to grind out tough yards and keep the chains moving was critical to the win.

**Wide Receivers: B**

The wide receivers had a solid but unspectacular outing. A.J. Brown led the group with six catches for 80 yards, and DeVonta Smith added four receptions for 60 yards. While the group didn’t produce any touchdowns, they made key plays in the passing game to help extend drives. Brown’s ability to make contested catches and Smith’s route-running were notable, though the lack of explosive plays keeps their grade in the “B” range.

**Offensive Line: A**

The offensive line deserves high marks for their performance against a strong Saints front. They protected Hurts well, allowing only one sack, and were instrumental in opening up running lanes for Swift and Scott. Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson anchored the unit with veteran leadership, helping the Eagles dominate the line of scrimmage throughout the game.

**Defensive Line: A-**

Philadelphia’s defensive line set the tone early, putting consistent pressure on Saints quarterback Derek Carr. Fletcher Cox and Josh Sweat each recorded sacks, while the entire unit played a role in limiting New Orleans’ run game. The defensive front disrupted Carr’s timing and forced him into hurried throws, contributing to the Eagles’ ability to contain the Saints’ offense in key moments.

**Secondary: B-**

The Eagles’ secondary had an up-and-down game, allowing a few big plays but also coming up clutch when it mattered most. Marshon Lattimore hauled in an interception, while Darius Slay played well in coverage, though the unit did allow over 250 passing yards to Carr. Tackling and positioning improved as the game progressed, but the early struggles drop their overall grade.

**Special Teams: C+**

While the Eagles’ special teams didn’t make any game-changing plays, they were generally reliable. Jake Elliott nailed a 45-yard field goal, but a few questionable returns and penalties brought their grade down.

In sum, the Eagles displayed a balanced team effort in their victory over the Saints, with the offensive line and defensive front leading the way.