The Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints met in a tight and tough game on September 22, 2024. It finished 15–12 for the Eagles in New Orleans. The game had long drives, strong defense, and a late push in the fourth quarter. Below is a clear, friendly guide to what happened and which players made the biggest impact. I use simple language and list the most important numbers so any fan can follow along. The facts and stats come from trusted sources like ESPN, Pro-Football-Reference, and the teams’ official sites.
Quick game story
For three quarters, points were hard to find. The Saints led 3–0 after the first quarter and 3–0 at halftime. The Eagles’ offense could not finish drives early, but their defense kept them close. The game changed in the fourth quarter. Saquon Barkley scored two rushing touchdowns, including a long burst, and the Eagles finally took control. The Saints tried to answer late, but the Eagles’ defense closed the door. Final score: Eagles 15, Saints 12.
Key player stats (at a glance)
- Saquon Barkley (Eagles): 17 carries, 147 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs (both in the fourth quarter)
- Jalen Hurts (Eagles): 29 of 38 passing, 311 yards; 1 interception; 8 rushes for 25 yards
- Dallas Goedert (Eagles): 10 receptions, 170 yards, 0 TDs (career high)
- Derek Carr (Saints): 14 of 25 passing, 142 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Alvin Kamara (Saints): 26 carries, 87 rushing yards; 3 catches, 40 yards
- Chris Olave (Saints): 6 receptions, 86 yards, 1 TD
How the Eagles won
1) A fourth quarter surge
The game turned when Saquon Barkley broke through in the final quarter. He had two rushing touchdowns, including a 65 yard score, and he was the spark the offense needed. These runs flipped field position, forced the Saints to chase the game, and gave the Eagles enough points to hold on. Barkley’s late scores and his total of 147 rushing yards were the difference in a defensive battle.
2) A steady day from Jalen Hurts
The box score shows that Jalen Hurts did not throw a touchdown, but he kept the chains moving with accurate passing and several key scrambles. He completed 29 of 38 throws for 311 yards. While there was one interception, the overall efficiency (over 75% completions) helped the Eagles win time of possession and set up Barkley’s late runs.
3) Dallas Goedert’s big day
Tight end Dallas Goedert was the main target. He caught 10 passes for 170 yards, a new career high. The Eagles’ highlight package pointed to repeated gains down the middle of the field. This performance was special, beating his previous best by a wide margin. When the wide receivers were banged up, Goedert became the safety valve and the engine of the passing game.
4) Defense that bent but did not break
The Saints came in hot on offense early that season, but the Eagles’ defense limited explosive plays and came up with a late interception to kill a final push. A key pick by safety Reed Blankenship and a strong day by the front seven held the Saints to 12 points at home. It was not always pretty, yet it was enough.
What the Saints did well
1) Ball control and short game
The Saints used Alvin Kamara to try to keep the Eagles’ pass rush honest. Kamara had 26 carries for 87 yards and added 40 receiving yards. While the yards per carry were not high, he helped set up manageable downs and kept New Orleans close.
2) Chris Olave’s impact
Olave was the top receiving threat for New Orleans. He finished with six catches for 86 yards and a touchdown from Derek Carr. On a day where yards were tough, his speed and route running stood out.
3) Red zone and situational stops on defense
For three quarters, the Saints’ defense kept the Eagles off the board. They won at the line, forced an interception, and held the lead until the final period. The trouble came when the Eagles ground game started to create explosive plays late. Still, the Saints’ defensive effort kept the team in position to win until the closing minutes.
Turning points you should know
- Barkley’s 65 yard touchdown run
This play flipped the momentum. From a one score game with tension, it became a statement run that put the Eagles on top and forced the Saints to open up their offense. - Reed Blankenship’s late interception
When the Saints tried to drive for a winning score, the Eagles’ secondary made the big play. That turnover helped seal the win and reflected how the defense finished strong in the fourth quarter. - Goedert’s chain moving catches
Ten receptions and 170 yards tell the story. On third downs and in two minute stretches, Hurts looked to the tight end. The yards after the catch and smart route depth kept drives alive.
Team stats that explain the result
- Total yards: The Eagles held a big edge in total offense, moving the ball far more than the Saints.
- Fourth quarter points: All 15 Eagles points came in the fourth quarter. This shows both the slow start and the late surge.
- Turnovers and mistakes: The Eagles made errors in the first half, including an interception, which is why they trailed for so long. But they stayed patient and trusted their defense while waiting for a big play.
Player by player: deeper notes
Eagles offense
- Jalen Hurts: Accurate and calm. The 311 passing yards came mostly from short and medium throws, plus some deep shots to Goedert. While he did not throw for a touchdown, he managed the game well in the last quarter and used his legs when needed.
- Saquon Barkley: The Saints’ defense hit him often, but his long run and late power carries changed the game. Two fourth quarter TDs made the difference, and his 147 rushing yards set the tone when it mattered most.
- Dallas Goedert: The clear No. 1 target on the day. His 170 yards were a career high. He found soft spots in zone coverage and won after the catch.
- DeVonta Smith and others: With injuries hitting the wide receiver group during the game, other pass catchers rotated in. The passing plan leaned on the tight end and the backs, and it was enough to keep drives alive until the running game broke through.
Saints offense
- Derek Carr: Efficient early, but the Eagles limited explosive gains. He threw a touchdown to Chris Olave but also a late interception as New Orleans tried to rally.
- Alvin Kamara: High volume on the ground and helpful as a receiver. The numbers show steady production but not many big plays against a disciplined front.
- Chris Olave: Reliable hands and timing with Carr. His 86 yards and touchdown kept the Saints in it.
Why this game matters
For the Eagles, this win showed the value of patience, depth, and defense. They stayed close when the offense struggled, leaned on a hot tight end, and then let a star running back take over late. For the Saints, the defense proved it could match up with a strong NFC offense for most of the day. The next step is finishing drives and finding more explosive plays when the game gets tight. It was a defensive fight decided by a late burst and one big takeaway.
Final thoughts
This was not a flashy game for three quarters, but it was a good lesson in how strong defense and one or two special plays can decide a Sunday. If you want to understand it in one line: the Eagles found answers in the fourth quarter, led by Barkley on the ground and Goedert through the air, while the defense made the last big play.
FAQs
- Who won the game?
The Philadelphia Eagles won 15–12 against the New Orleans Saints on September 22, 2024. - Who was the top rusher?
Saquon Barkley led all rushers with 147 yards and scored two fourth quarter touchdowns. - Who had the most receiving yards?
Dallas Goedert had 10 catches for 170 yards, the best single game total of his career. - What were Jalen Hurts’ passing stats?
Hurts completed 29 of 38 passes for 311 yards and had one interception. He also rushed 8 times for 25 yards. - How did the Saints score their points?
New Orleans scored with field goals and a Derek Carr touchdown pass to Chris Olave. - What was the key defensive play for the Eagles?
A late interception by the Eagles’ defense helped end the Saints’ final drive. - Did the Eagles score before the fourth quarter?
No. All 15 Eagles points came in the fourth quarter. - How did Alvin Kamara play?
Kamara had 26 rushes for 87 yards and added 40 receiving yards. He was steady but did not break a long play. - Where can I see the full box score?
You can check ESPN or Pro-Football-Reference for a full team and player box score. - Why is this game remembered?
It was a low scoring, defensive game that flipped late thanks to Barkley’s two touchdowns and Goedert’s career day.
Relatable topic: Steelers vs Raiders, Denver Broncos vs Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
