The Eagles head into the locker room trailing 8-0 at halftime in what has been a blustery, bizarre game at Lincoln Financial Field. Despite reports that a light snow would befall Philadelphia around 3 PM, the Eagles and Lions have fought through near-blizzard conditions as snow continues to pour down on the field. Footing is slippery, the temperature is cold and vision is minimal for the players on the field.
The Lions have controlled the game for the most part and have outpaced the Eagles 140-90 in total yards. The Eagles defense has kept the team in the game, though, with two forced fumbles in the defensive red zone. Cedric Thornton and Connor Barwin have both pried the ball loose from Joique Bell, with Barwin and Patrick Chung recovering the two.
The Eagles turned the ball over right back, however, following the second fumble recovery. After 237 consecutive passes without throwing an interception this season, Nick Foles finally relented as he overthrew Riley Cooper, sailing the ball into the waiting arms of Chris Houston. The Lions would convert that turnover into a 2-yard touchdown plunge by Bell.
Because of the conditions, both teams have eschewed field goal attempts. Following Bell's touchdown, the Lions went for the 2-point conversion, converting with a short pass from Matthew Stafford to Bell.
After only gaining one first down through the first quarter and a half, the Eagles finally mounted a drive with over five minutes remaining in the half. Beginning at their 11-yard line, the Eagles moved down the field thanks to impressive rushing by LeSean McCoy and a couple key completions to DeSean Jackson.
The Eagles were unable to come away with points though as the drive stalled in the red zone. Facing a 4th-and-7 from the 10-yard-line, head coach Chip Kelly elected to go for it rather than attempt an Alex Henery field goal. Foles tossed a pass to Riley Cooper in the back corner of the end zone that was broken up by Lions cornerback Rashean Mathis, despite borderline illegal contact.
The Eagles will receive the opening kickoff of the second half.
LEADERS
Nick Foles – 4-of-10 for 35 yards, one interception and a 10.4 quarterback rating
LeSean McCoy – 13 carries for 51 yards
DeSean Jackson – Two catches for 28 yards
Matthew Stafford – 6-of-12 for 87 yards and a 74.0 quarterback rating
Joique Bell – 17 carries for 54 yards, two catches for 16 yards, two lost fumbles
Calvin Johnson – Two catches for 40 yards
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