The score was closer than anticipated in this contest due in large part to Carson Wentz being finally benched in favor of second-round rookie Jalen Hurts. The first-year signal-caller led the Philadelphia Eagles to their only offensive touchdown of the contest, and although he threw the game-clinching interception to Darnell Savage, he provided the offense a swagger it had been lacking this season.
Ultimately, the Eagles were outmatched by the Aaron Rodgers-led Green Bay Packers, leaving Lambeau Field with a 30-16 loss.
Editor's note: All of PFF's grades and advanced stats from this game will be finalized and made available to ELITE subscribers within 24 hours of the final whistle.
STORY OF THE GAME
Rodgers, Davante Adams and Aaron Jones imposed their will on the Eagles' defense, scoring 30 or more points for the sixth time this season. Rodgers continued his revenge tour, torching the secondary in all facets. He was pressured on just 10 of his 36 dropbacks, but even when defenders were in his face, he completed 4-of-8 passes for 76 yards, one touchdown and zero turnover-worthy plays. To help stymie the Eagles' pass rush, the Packers turned to play action. Rodgers took advantage, connecting on 10 passes for 137 yards and a score, missing on just three passes — though two were dropped.
Adams feasted against whoever lined up across him, pulling down 10-of-12 targets for 121 yards and a pair of scores. His 41 yards after contact were more than double that of any Eagles player, and his seven first-down or touchdown receptions were four more than any other player in the contest. Both his touchdowns were in the red zone, raising his season total to 10 — one behind Vikings receiver Adam Thielen for most in the NFL.
Not only was Jones’ 130 rushing yards the second-most in a game thus far this week, but they were 99 more yards than any other player in this contest. His eight missed tackles forced on carries currently lead the NFL in Week 13, and he is one of only two players to average over 7 yards after contact per carry (Wayne Gallman).
On the opposite side of the field, Wentz endured yet another rough outing, this time leading to a seat on the bench. He didn't commit a turnover but completed just 6-of-15 passes for 79 yards and took four sacks, stunting the offense on nearly every drive. Hurts entered midway through the third quarter and tried to lead the Eagles to a comeback.
He had some help from fellow rookie Jalen Reagor, who took his one and only punt return 73 yards to the house, making it a one-score game. Hurts and company would come up just short as second-year safety Darnell Savage made a nice play to force an interception and effectively put an end to any hopes the Eagles had of a comeback.
Now sitting at 3-8-1, Philadelphia finds itself in third place in the NFC East but just a game and a half back from the 5-7 Giants. It is unclear if Wentz will be back under center this season, but it does not harm the Eagles to trot out Hurts and see what they truly have in the young signal-caller.
ROOKIE WATCH
The Packers did not have any rookies receive over 20 snaps this game, relying on their veterans to take home the victory.
Outside of Hurts and Reagor, Jack Driscoll saw plenty of playing time on the Eagles' offensive line. He struggled with the Green Bay pass rush, allowing five quarterback pressures, including a sack, on 41 pass-blocking snaps. Undrafted free agents Raequan Williams and Michael Jacquet III each received 20-plus snaps, but neither made an impact.
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