The Philadelphia Eagles were in command after one half of the Christmas game with the New York Giants. Then the second half kickoff happened.
Eagles fumble the second half kickoff! pic.twitter.com/ksqDPQxg1I
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) December 25, 2023
In a baffling play, Boston Scott fumbled when his own teammate, Olamide Zaccheaus, drilled him. The Giants recovered and scored three plays later on Saquon Barkley’s TD run to cut the lead to 20-10.
Saquon Barkley gets it in for a Giants touchdown pic.twitter.com/JDQcH5VLi9
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) December 25, 2023
It’s still unclear what Zaccheaus was doing on that kick return, but perhaps he was still fired up from delivering one of the most impressive wide receiver blocks of the season on cornerback Adoree Jackson to spring DeVonta Smith for a score.
Don't blink@JalenHurts | @DeVontaSmith_6 | #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/dWu2Uka7m6
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 25, 2023
Jackson got revenge for the block late in the third quarter, intercepting Jalen Hurts and returning it for a 76-yard touchdown. The pick-six and subsequent conversion made it 20-18 going into the final quarter.
ADOREE JACKSON PICK-SIX
— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2023
: #NYGvsPHI on FOX
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/2Mgsj0ajbL pic.twitter.com/FhUOgp5BtP
The Eagles ended up in Christmas dog fight after the fumble. With a great chance after Dallas lost Sunday to drop to 10-5, the Eagles may have fumbled away a chance to lock up the NFC East as well.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!