NFL: Howard, Eagles’ Ground Game Power Win Over Packers

NFL offenses rely on the passing game as much as ever these days.

But it was the running game that helped deliver a key win for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles rushed for 176 yards, running back Jordan Howard had two rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner early in the fourth quarter, and Philadelphia escaped Lambeau Field with a 34-27 win against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 26. The Packers had just 77 yards on the ground.

Green Bay (3-1) built a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter, but two Carson Wentz touchdown passes (to Alshon Jeffery and Dallas Goedert) and Howard’s first touchdown gave the Eagles a 21-20 halftime lead.

Wentz’s 20-yard strike to Howard gave Philadelphia (2-2) a 27-20 lead, but Packers QB Aaron Rodgers connected with Jimmy Graham for a 14-yard touchdown that tied the game with 3:21 left in the third quarter.

Wentz completed just 16-of-27 passes for 160 yards, but he had three TD passes and zero interceptions, leading to a 113.2 passer rating.

Howard finished the game with 87 rushing yards on 15 attempts.

The Eagles put up an OVER (Offensive Value and Efficiency Rating) of 146.0 for the game, powered by a rushing usage index of 132.0 and receiving index of 160.0.

The Packers had an overall OVER of 177.5, thanks in large part to Rodgers’ unbelievable 34-of-53, 422-yard, two touchdown performance. Davante Adams hauled in 10 passes for 180 yards, and Graham and Geronimo Allison caught the touchdowns.

The Eagles’ defense was extremely active with one sack, an interception, a fumble recovery, and four tackles for loss.