5 takeaways from the Eagles 20-17 victory over the Chiefs

The numbers were not pretty. The Eagles' offensive play calling has created a cause for concern for those outside of the locker room. Yet, once again, Philadelphia found a way to win. Outlasting the now 0-2 Kansas City Chiefs 20-17 Sunday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium.

Here are five takeaways from the victory:

Offensive play calling in question

Everyone in the Greater Delaware Valley and beyond are putting their "Monday Quarterback" hats on and analyzing the Eagles' offensive production, or the lack thereof, under first-year Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullo.

In Week 1, the offense looked impressive with three straight touchdown drives and a field goal on their fourth. Yet, after the weather delay, it seemed the new play caller was more than content playing a conservative game relying on the defense in a 24-20 win against Dallas. On Sunday, there was no strong start for the offense. It was sloppy and unproductive, with the first nine plays on offense resulting in just 19 yards and two punts, including a three-and-out on their second drive of the game.

Yes, A.J. Brown got an early target and catch, but Brown and DeVonta Smith were still held with pedestrian numbers. The dynamic duo combined for nine catches and 80 yards with no touchdowns. Smith did come down with a clutch grab late in the game setting up the touchdown to put Philadelphia up two scores.

Jalen Hurts threw for just 101 yards in the win while having just 62 yards through three full quarters. According to NextGen Stats, Hurts completed just one of four pass attempts traveling 10+ air yards in the game. By contrast, in Super Bowl LIX, he completed five of his seven downfield attempts for 137 yards.

As he continually states, including after the win, all the quarterback cares about is winning the game. However, the low output on offense could be an unsustainable recipe for success as the season progresses.

Vic Fangio is a master of second half adjustments

The defense knew that Patrick Mahomes did not have his top group of weapons to get to the ball to. Without Xavier Worthy (shoulder) and Rashee Rice (suspended) the two-time MVP was relegated to his longtime security blanket in Travis Kelce along with a collection of Hollywood Brown, Juju Smith-Schuster Nikko Remigio and Tyquan Thornton.

The Eagles did a solid job making it tough for Mahomes to find success through the air. However, they failed to contain the quarterback when he broke out of the pocket. Mahomes picked up timely chunks on the ground, including a 13-yard rushing touchdown to give the Chiefs a 10-7 win late in the second quarter. The QB rushed for 60 yards in the first half.

Halftime came and the veteran defensive coordinator rallied his young defense to make the necessary adjustments proving to be the difference in the game. Fangio's adjustments and the execution by the defense held Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense in check, allowing just 161 total yards in the second half (136 passing, 25 rushing). Philadelphia eliminated the threat Mahomes possessed in the first half with his legs, rushing for just six yards, forcing the quarterback to mount a comeback through the air with limited weapons.

One of the biggest turning points in the game was Drew Mukuba's interception in the endzone after a pass from Mahomes hit the hands of Kelce and popped up into the air. Mukuba turned it into a 41-yard return helping flip the field and led to a touchdown.

The defense deserves a lot of credit for the two victories, especially with their performances in the second half, allowing just one touchdown in the second half on the young season.

Jake Elliott is back

One of the best kickers in the NFL over the last few seasons and knocking on the door of being anointed the best kicker in franchise history, Elliott struggled last season kicking from distance. He made just one of seven field goals from 50-yards and beyond, by far his worst percentage of his career. Prior to 2024, he never missed more than three from long range in a season.

This season, he is a perfect three-for-three in the department, including a 58-yarder to tie the game at 10-10 as time expired in the first half and a 51-yarder in the third quarter. With the two makes, Elliott has now made 64% (30-for-47) of his kicks from 50-yards and further in his career.

Campbell and Mukuba shining

For the second straight season, the Eagles are implementing their top two picks from the NFL Draft to play integral roles on defense. Last season, it was Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. This season, it looks like Jihaad Campbell and Drew Mukuba are taking over that torch.

The young duo has been responsible for forcing a key takeaway in each win to open the season. In Week 1, it was Campbell credited with a fumble along with Byron Young that ended a promising Dallas drive that would have potentially given the Cowboys the lead. On Sunday, it was Mukuba, who has been described as having a nose for the football, being at the right place at the right time on the interception that flipped the momentum for the Eagles.

Campbell finished second on the team in Sunday's win with seven tackles, including five solo to go with a QB hit while playing 97% of the defensive snaps. Mukuba, who played 80% of the defensive snaps, had the interception and tied for third on the team with six tackles along with a tackle for loss, a pass deflection and half sack.

All the Eagles do is win

Plain and simple. This team continues to stack up the wins. Even with the missing pieces for Kansas City on offense, it was not an easy scenario for the Eagles to get a win. A raucous Arrowhead Stadium, a team looking to avoid an 0-2 start with one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the sport never losing three games in a row. It did not matter.

The Eagles are now 18-1 over their last 19 games. They win much more than they lose when Hurts plays a full game.

Nick Sirianni also plays a big part in the team's success, posting the second-best winning percentage by a head coach in the Super Bowl Era. He has shown the ability to keep the locker room together. The players respect him and the relationship between the head coach and team has remained strong.

It has not been the best looking two games to start the season, but it is early and for the Eagles, all that matters winning games. So far, they have done just that and are the only undefeated team in the NFC East.