Philadelphia Eagles vs New York Jets Match Player Stats On Sep 27, 2015

The Sports Xchange
Sep 27, 2015

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Darren Sproles accounted for two touchdowns, including a spectacular 89-yard punt return in the second quarter, and the Philadelphia Eagles claimed their first win of the season with a 24-17 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

The Eagles (1-2) avoided their first 0-3 start since 1999. The Jets (2-1) were trying to go 3-0 for the fifth time in franchise history.

Ryan Mathews, who took over featured back duties with struggling running back DeMarco Murray inactive because of a hamstring injury, rushed for 108 yards on 24 carries and also caught a 23-yard touchdown pass. Quarterback Sam Bradford was 14 of 28 for 118 yards and the touchdown to Mathews.

Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was 35 of 58 for 283 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall had 10 catches for 109 yards and a touchdown but also lost a costly fumble in the second quarter.

Eagles kicker Cody Parkey booted a 30-yard field goal in the first quarter before Philadelphia extended the lead to 24-0 by scoring three touchdowns in a span of just over 10 minutes in the second quarter.

Sproles provided the spark by breaking five tackles on an 89-yard punt return for a touchdown -- the second-longest punt return in franchise history -- with 12:21 left.

The two teams then combined for three three-and-outs before Bradford capped an eight-play, 75-yard drive with a perfect 23-yard touchdown pass to Mathews, who got wide open behind Jets linebacker Demario Davis.

The Jets finally secured their first first down of the quarter on their next play from scrimmage, but Marshall inexplicably tried to lateral to tight end Jeff Cumberland after a 15-yard gain. The ball bounced off linebacker Connor Barwin and was recovered by linebacker Jordan Hicks.

Seven plays later, Sproles scored from 1 yard.

The Jets got on the scoreboard with six seconds left in the half. Fitzpatrick capped a nine-play, 79-yard drive by throwing a 16-yard touchdown pass to Marshall.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Jets pulled within 24-14 on Fitzpatrick's 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jeremy Kerley with 9:37 remaining.

Davis recovered a fumble by Mathews with 7:23 left to give the Jets the ball at the Philadelphia 41-yard-line, but Fitzpatrick was picked off by Hicks three plays later.

Jets kicker Nick Folk nailed a 53-yard field goal with 2:34 left, but the Eagles recovered the subsequent onside kick and ran out the clock.

NOTES: In addition to RB DeMarco Murray, LB Kiko Alonso (left ACL) was inactive for the Eagles. He is expected to undergo season-ending surgery. ... For the Jets, WR Eric Decker (knee) was inactive six days after suffering a PCL injury against the Indianapolis Colts. RB Chris Ivory (quad) was active but didn’t play. QB Geno Smith (broken jaw) was active for the first time this season and rookie WR Devin Smith (broken ribs, partially punctured lung) made his NFL debut. ... Eagles OL Andrew Gardner (right foot) and S Chris Maragos (left knee contusion) did not return after getting injured late in the second quarter. Jets RG Willie Colon (knee) was replaced in the second half by RG Brian Winters.