2023-12-31 19:47:47
The Philadelphia Eagles haven’t been able to find much of a role for wide receiver Julio Jones since signing him to a one-year deal in October. Jones was targeted four times in the Eagles‘ Christmas Day win over the rival New York Giantsthe most targets he has seen since joining — but few might have foreseen that his role would be dramatically expanded in Sunday’s New Year’s Eve contest with the Arizona Cardinals.
Jones caught two touchdowns in the first half once morest Arizonathe first time he’d found the end zone in two months, and helped Philadelphia enter halftime with the lead over one of the NFL‘s worst teams. The seven-time Pro Bowl selection helped take some of the pressure off top receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith while making it clear that even at 34 years old, he still has something left in the tank.
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Jones’ huge half
Jones caught only two passes in the first two quarters at Lincoln Financial Field…but both went for touchdowns. The first touchdown put Philadelphia ahead 7-3, as quarterback Jalen Hurts tossed a ball toward the back of the end zone for Jones to sprint toward and haul in over the shoulder.
The second touchdown saw Hurts throw on the run, and a deflection off a Cardinals player saw the ball nestle safely into Jones’ waiting arms. The two-time All-Pro situated himself between two defenders and took it in for six points.
Jones’ touchdown grabs ensured that the Eagles would make their most of their limited time on offense in the first half. Philadelphia had only 8:12 of possession in the first two quarters, but its offense rang up more than seven yards per play and eight first downs even though Arizona controlled the ball for nearly 22 minutes. The Cardinals’ long drives stalled out with field goal attempts, and quarterback Kyler Murray threw a backbreaking interception at the Eagles’ 2 that Sydney Brown took all the way back for a score.
A new weapon for Hurts
Jones’ emergence on Sunday gives Hurts and coach Nick Sirianni something new to consider as the Eagles get ready for the playoffs and try to return to the Super Bowl.
Opposing defenses know how dangerous Brown is, and they’ll also know that Smith is one of the most dangerous #2 receivers in the NFL. But Jones represents a fresh weapon in the red zone, a future Hall of Fame inductee showing he can still handle a tertiary role on a contending team.
While the Eagles’ defense has been inconsistent this season, the Philly offense will be as dangerous as ever if Jones carves himself a bigger role in the plan come January.
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