Eagles make statement on defense, shut down Jared Goff, Lions - ESPN

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles' defense «made a statement» Sunday night, shutting down quarterback Jared Goff and the normally high-powered Detroit Lions' attack in a 16-9 win that swings the conference odds in Philly's favor.

«We talked about it all week, going out there, being physical, playing our style of game. They've got to come through us. They've got to come through Philly if they want to advance,» Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis said. «We went out there and made a stand, made a statement on defense, and I'm very proud of the guys.»

Davis had three batted passes, one of which resulted in a Cooper DeJean interception. Davis' former Georgia teammate, Jalen Carter, added two batted passes.

Their success wasn't by accident. The Eagles gleaned from tape study that they would have opportunities to swat down some of Goff's passes because he throws at an angle, Davis said. They had a dedicated drill this week, simulating batted passes, with a defender behind them to haul in the interception.

Goff had a rough day, completing just 38% of his throws — the lowest by any QB this season — while being pressured 20 times and absorbing seven QB hits.

«Just little stuff like [batted passes] messes with a QB's mind, messes with his mindset, how he passes the ball, and it showed in the game,» Davis said. «Fortunately for us, we made it very hard on him, from the pressures to the batted balls to everything.»

Goff was 0-of-12 passing while under duress, his second-most such incompletions in a game in his career. The last QB with 12 attempts and 0 completions under duress was Blake Bortles in 2017.

The defense was especially disruptive in high-leverage situations. The Lions went 0-for-5 on fourth down, effectively turning coach Dan