In what was a first 30 minutes that we couldn't have imagined, Jalen Hurts’ concussion evaluation became the defining moment of a first half the Eagles nearly let slip away Monday night in Chicago. While Hurts was in the medical tent after a hit by D’Marco Jackson, Andy Dalton entered and threw an interception in the end zone to end a 95-yard drive. Hurts was cleared to return, completed four straight passes and scored on a sneak just before halftime, cutting the Bears’ lead to 10-7.
After an uneven first and second quarter, Philadelphia stayed close despite Dalton’s interception, a lost Tank Bigsby fumble and five penalties. Saquon Barkley provided the offense’s most consistent production, totaling 73 yards on 11 carries behind a reshuffled
line, while Quinyon Mitchell’s fourth-down pass breakup kept Chicago from turning Bigsby’s fumble into points. The Eagles still have work to do against Case Keenum, who threw for 149 yards and a touchdown in the half.
With the second half set to begin, here are ten first-half takeaways from Soldier Field in Chicago.
1. Jalen Hurts’ evaluation changed the half. Hurts went to the medical tent after a hit by D’Marco Jackson. Following an intense evaluation for a concussion and cleared to return. He finished the half 10-of-13 for 111 yards and added a rushing touchdown.
2. The backup’s one snap was costly. Andy Dalton entered while Hurts was being evaluated and threw an interception to Dillon Thieneman in the end zone. Philadelphia had driven 95 yards before the turnover ended its best scoring opportunity so far.
3. Hurts answered immediately. After returning, Hurts completed four straight passes and led an eight-play, 67-yard touchdown drive in 1:52. His sneak on a snap just before the clock expired cut Chicago’s lead to 10-7.
4. Saquon Barkley looks like the centerpiece again. Barkley rushed for 73 yards on 11 carries, averaging 6.6 yards per attempt. He repeatedly reached the second level and gave Philadelphia the consistent ground production it had been seeking.
5. The reshuffled offensive line is moving people. Drew Kendall drew attention for his work against Grady Jarrett, and the Eagles created room for Barkley. The protection also held up: Philadelphia allowed no first-half sack.
6. Turnovers have erased promising work. Tank Bigsby fumbled, giving Chicago the ball at the Eagles’ 15. Dalton’s interception ended the 95-yard drive. Philadelphia is within three points despite losing both first-half turnovers.
7. The penalties keep putting the offense in trouble. Tyler Steen’s holding call preceded Bigsby’s fumble, while an intentional grounding call stalled an earlier possession. The Eagles had five penalties in the half, leaving points and field position on the table.
8. Case Keenum has found a rhythm. With Caleb Williams out, Keenum completed 15 of 21 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown. Luther Burden III led the way with five catches for 59 yards, including an 8-yard score on Chicago’s opening drive.
9. Quinyon Mitchell kept the deficit manageable. After Bigsby’s fumble, the Bears reached scoring range but came away empty. Mitchell’s fourth-down pass breakup completed a stand that prevented Chicago from stretching its 7-0 lead.
10. The safety rotation is worth watching. Marcus Epps missed two tackles on the opening touchdown drive, according to Jeff McLane. Michael Carter II replaced him for part of the next series, but Epps returned later. Vic Fangio appears to be rotating the two as the defense works to settle down.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Hurts’ return sparks Eagles before halftime: 10 takeaways vs. Bears
