Eagles cruise to victory over shorthanded Packers

Riley Cooper, right, celebrates after a 32-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter.
Credit: Getty Images

The Eagles entered Sunday’s game knowing they wouldn’t face former NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.

Philadelphia had no idea it would be facing third-stringer Scott Tolzien for the lionshare of the game.

Nonetheless, Sunday’s contest ended with predictable results — an easy, 27-13 victory at Lambeau Field for the Eagles.

We look at what went right for the Eagles as they improved to 5-5 on the season:

1. Nick of time

Philadelphia quarterback Nick Foles was on his game again. There was no record-setting performance like last week, but head coach Chip Kelly will take an error-free game. Foles finished with three touchdowns on 12-of-18 passing for 228 yards. Foles now has 14 scores and zero interceptions this season — the third-most TDs before an interception to start a season.
2. McCoy’s back

After three straight games without cracking 100 yards, LeSean McCoy was back in a big way against the Packers. He had 25 carries for 155 yards. It’s no accident that those were the most carries since his last time cracking the century mark, against Tampa Bay. It’s not a bad thing he only had one reception — showing he wasn’t needed in checkdowns.

3. Ryans’ team

DeMeco Ryans talked during the week about not caring if he was facing Rodgers or a backup QB, saying he would be ready regardless. He backed it up on the field with 11 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, one pass breakup and an interception. He actually dropped a shot at an interception in the first half as well. Ryans is unquestionably the leader of the defense and a strong performance out of him can carry that side of the ball.