The Eagles managed to hang on in a 31-21 victory over the Texans but Chip Kelly's team had to pay a pretty steep price. Here's what we saw in a game that could have ripple effects for weeks:
- This was one of the single most devastating games of the season injury-wise. DeMeco Ryans was carted off the field, and NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports, via a source who spoke to the player, that the Eagles believe it's a torn Achilles, which would end his season. Arian Foster left the game with a non-contact injury on his leg, with the pain seemingly serious enough to make Foster spike his helmet on the ground. Eagles guard Todd Herremans re-injured his elbow and, above all else, Nick Foles was ruled out of the game with an injured collarbone. This is the type of brutal game that could very well change the course of two separate divisional races.
- Mark Sanchez was capable in his relief appearance, which not only suggests the brilliance of Chip Kelly's scheme in Philadelphia, but also the fact that Sanchez was a better quarterback than he was given credit for in New York. Sanchez started off the game with a bomb to Jeremy Maclin and placed the perfect amount of touch on a touchdown pass to Jordan Matthews. Of his two interceptions, only one was his fault. How much of a step down is he from the 2014 version of Foles at this point? We'll likely find out.
- Foster's injury issues are a disappointment, and not because we're misguided fantasy owners. He is really a joy to watch when he's on the field and is one of the greatest running backs of all time when it comes to total yards per game. Foster converted a third-and-18 on a draw and scored on a 56-yard touchdown pass. The double move he threw on Connor Barwin was brilliant.
- Do the Texans entertain a quarterback change? They're heading into the bye and are in desperate need of a spark. Their defense will be locked and loaded heading into their next game against the Panthers, too. It might be worth considering, because Andre Johnson has the look of a man that's losing interest quickly.
- Assuming Jeremy Maclin stays healthy, he'll be figuring out ways to spend a very hefty paycheck this offseason. The Eagles star has a fantastic sense of space on the field and it shows almost every week. Sunday, he became the first player since 2009 to put up more than 150 yards receiving and multiple touchdowns in consecutive games.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps every Sunday game from an action-packed Week 9. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
