Football fans love a game where the stars show up big, and this Eagles vs Bengals matchup did just that. This was a special game because it marked the first meeting between Jalen Hurts and Joe Burrow in the NFL. Both quarterbacks are known for leading their teams to big wins, so fans knew this game would be worth watching.
Game Overview
Before the game, the Philadelphia Eagles held a 4-2 record and had won their last two games. The Cincinnati Bengals were 3-4 on the season but still had a chance at the playoffs after starting 0-3. One big note going into the matchup was that Cincinnati played without star receiver Tee Higgins, which was a real challenge for Burrow and the Bengals offense.
The game started slow for Philadelphia. The score was tied 10-10 at halftime, and it looked like it could go either way. But the Eagles came out strong in the second half. By the final whistle, Philadelphia had pulled away with a 37-17 win on the road. This win pushed the Eagles to 5-2 on the season, marking their third straight win since their bye week.
Here is a look at how the scoring broke down by quarter:
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Eagles | 0 | 10 | 14 | 13 | 37 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 7 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
Jalen Hurts Had a Standout Day
Jalen Hurts was the biggest story of this game. He did not just win with his arm, he also used his legs to hurt the Bengals defense all game long.
According to the box score, Hurts completed 16 of his 20 passes for 236 yards and one touchdown. But his running was the real headline. He carried the ball 10 times for 37 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns. That kind of dual-threat performance is exactly why Hurts is one of the toughest quarterbacks to defend in the league.
His one passing touchdown was a big one too. He connected with DeVonta Smith on a 45-yard touchdown pass, which was one of the biggest plays of the game. What made this game even more impressive for Hurts is that he has not thrown an interception in his last three games, showing he is playing with more control and confidence than earlier in the season.
Eagles Skill Players Step Up
Hurts did not do it alone. Several Eagles skill players had strong showings that helped the offense stay balanced all game.
Running back Saquon Barkley kept the ground game rolling. He carried the ball 22 times for 108 yards and also caught 3 passes. His steady rushing kept the Bengals defense honest and opened up chances for the passing game.
In the passing game, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith both had big days. Brown caught 5 passes for 84 yards, while Smith hauled in 6 catches for 85 yards and a touchdown, which was of course that 45-yard score from Hurts. Tight end Grant Calcaterra also chipped in, catching 3 passes for 58 yards, showing the Eagles offense had options at every level of the field.
Eagles Defense Held Strong
The Eagles defense also played a key role, especially with the tackling department. Linebacker Zack Baun led the team with 12 tackles, while Nakobe Dean added 9 tackles of his own. Safety Reed Blankenship was close behind with 8 tackles.
Cornerback Darius Slay Jr. and rookie Cooper DeJean also made an impact in coverage, recording 4 tackles and 3 tackles. Defensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson also picked off a pass, adding an interception to his stat line. This kind of team effort on defense helped limit the Bengals in big moments, especially in the fourth quarter when Cincinnati failed to score at all.
Kicker Jake Elliott was also solid, going 3 for 3 on field goals and 4 for 4 on extra points for a total of 13 points.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals Offense
On the other side, Joe Burrow put up solid passing numbers even without his top receiver. He completed 26 of 37 passes for 234 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also added a bit with his legs, rushing 3 times for 15 yards.
Without Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase had to carry more of the receiving load. He answered the call with 9 catches for 54 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Mike Gesicki also had a nice game, catching 7 passes for 73 yards, becoming a reliable target over the middle. Running back Chase Brown was involved in both the run and pass game, picking up 32 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, plus 2 catches.
Bengals Defense Struggles
The tough part of the day for Cincinnati was on defense. The unit gave up 37 points and could not slow down Hurts or the Eagles running game. Linebacker Germaine Pratt led the team with 9 tackles, and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt matched that with 9 tackles as well. Linebacker Logan Wilson also had a solid game with 7 tackles.
Despite these efforts, the Bengals defense simply could not contain Hurts, especially on third down and in the red zone, where the Eagles offense kept finding ways to score.
What This Game Means Going Forward
This win was a big statement for the Eagles. Philadelphia will now face the Jacksonville Jaguars next week, riding a three-game win streak into that matchup. Hurts looks more comfortable and confident with each passing week, and if he keeps playing turnover-free football, the Eagles could be a real threat in the playoff picture.
For the Bengals, this loss is a tough pill to swallow. Cincinnati will face the Las Vegas Raiders next week and will need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Losing without Tee Higgins shows how much the team depends on having their full group of receivers healthy. If Higgins returns soon, it could help take some pressure off Chase and give Burrow more options.
Final Thoughts
This Eagles vs Bengals game gave fans exactly what they wanted: two great quarterbacks, big offensive plays, and a game that stayed close until the second half took over. Jalen Hurts proved once again why he is one of the most complete quarterbacks in football today, while Joe Burrow showed he can still put up good numbers even when missing a key piece of his offense.
Whether you are a fan of the Eagles, the Bengals, or just love football stats, this game will be remembered for Hurts’ three rushing touchdowns and the strong team performance that carried Philadelphia to a road win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Eagles vs Bengals game?
The Philadelphia Eagles won the game 37-17, improving their record to 5-2 on the season.
How many touchdowns did Jalen Hurts score in this game?
Jalen Hurts scored three rushing touchdowns and threw one passing touchdown, a 45-yard pass to DeVonta Smith.
Why was Ja’Marr Chase the top receiver for the Bengals in this game?
Ja’Marr Chase took on a bigger role because Tee Higgins did not play in this game. Chase finished with 9 catches for 54 yards and a touchdown.
