Takeaways, observations from first half as Eagles hold a 14-12 lead over Ravens
It’s been the heavyweight showdown that experts and pundits expected and after 30 minutes of intense football, the Eagles hold a 14-12 lead over the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. It’s been a little bit of the star quarterbacks mixed in with the NFL’s two leading rushers and a Philadelphia defense that’s held one of the league’s top offensive units to just 169 yards and 12 points in the first half.
With the second half set to get underway, here are takeaways and observations from the first 30 minutes.
Ravens hold on first drive
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 01: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles hands the ball to Saquon Barkley #26 during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
A defense that has struggled held Philadelphia to a four-play, 16-yard drive that ate up a little over one minute of the clock on the first drive.
Ravens capitalize on blown coverage on back to back plays
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 01: Josh Sweat #19 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after sacking Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Philadelphia initially had a sack by Josh Sweat and ended the Ravens’ first offensive drive, but Avonte Maddox was called for a hold. On the next play, Jackson shook off a Milton Williams sack and found Zay Flowers on a busted coverage for a 40-yard gain.
Kyle Hamilton
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 01: Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Baltimore Ravens is helped off the field after being injured during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Hamilton had already been dealing with a minor ankle injury and exited in frustration, holding his shoulder or arm as he walked off. He returned, logging one tackle in the first half.
Mark Andrews makes history
Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) catches s pass for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Early in the first quarter, Andrews has two catches for 16 yards and a touchdown. That score made franchise history.
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strong first quarter
Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) warms up prior the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Philadelphia trailed 9-0 at the end of the first quarter, accounting for one offensive first down, 0-3 on third downs, and 22 total yards. Baltimore had seven first downs, and 133 yards.
A.J. Brown -Eagles pass catchers
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 01: Dallas Goedert #88 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his touchdown catch with A.J. Brown #11 during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Brown had five catches, for 66 yards in the first half.
The Eagles other receivers accounted for one catch and four yards in the first half.
Zay Flowers
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 01: Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled by Isaiah Rodgers #34 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
with a 13-yard catch and he’s officially surpassed his rookie receiving yards total of 858 yards.
He now has 862 yards on the season in 12.5 games.
