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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) reacts after a running back Kenneth Gainwell (not pictured) touchdown run against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Three takeaways from the Eagles 'SNF' win over the Dolphins

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 10/23/23

The Philadelphia Eagles improved to 6-1 after an impressive 31-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins (5-2) on "Sunday Night Football." Here are three takeaways from Philly's massive Week 7 victory.

Eagles defense flexed its muscle: First-year defensive coordinator Sean Desai had his first standout game with the Eagles, slowing down the electric Dolphins offense on Sunday. It wasn't a dominant effort, but Philly made Miami look ordinary, holding them to only one offensive touchdown.

The Eagles controlled the top-ranked Dolphins offense, which finished with 244 total yards, well below their average of 498.7. The Philly defense came up big when it mattered most. The Dolphins were only 4-for-11 on third down, 0-for-2 on fourth and came away empty in both of their trips to the red zone.

Wideout Tyreek Hill got his, finishing with 11 receptions for 88 yards and a score, but the Eagles didn't let him take over the game. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a quiet night. The league's leading passer was only 22-of-32 for 216 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a passer rating of 87.5.

Meanwhile, the Birds also silenced the Dolphins' league-best rushing attack, holding them to 45 yards on the ground. Running back Raheem Mostert carried the ball nine times for 45 yards (5.0), with 21 coming off one touch.

A.J. Brown ties incredible NFL mark: Brown had a huge game under the bright primetime lights, hauling in 10 of 15 targets for 137 yards (13.7) and a touchdown. For Brown, it was his fifth-straight game recording 125 receiving yards or more, tying him with Calvin Johnson (2012) and Pat Studstill (1966) for the longest such streak in NFL history, per ESPN.

According to Next Gen Stats, the Dolphins dared Brown to beat them, offering the Eagles standout receiver five yards of cushion or more on all 10 of his receptions.

Brown's biggest catch of the day came late in the fourth quarter. With the Eagles leading 24-17 with 5:44 left, Brown came down with a 42-yard pass from QB Jalen Hurts between two defenders, leading to the game-sealing touchdown two plays later.

AJ BROWN YOU ARE RIDICULOUS

: #MIAvsPHI on NBC
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/0rIJPFKW6L pic.twitter.com/nHBEYMGNT4
— NFL (@NFL) October 23, 2023

Through the first two weeks of the 2023 campaign, Brown had 11 catches for 108 yards. Since then, he's recorded 41 receptions for 701 yards and three touchdowns.

Dolphins shouldn't hang their heads: Miami suffered only their second loss of the year in a game where the Eagles expertly countered all of their strengths. While some will say the Dolphins' loss proves they can't beat "good" teams, they shouldn't leave Philadelphia feeling too bad.

Miami entered Week 7 with a myriad of injuries on both sides of the ball, especially on the offensive one, where they were missing three pieces on the left side.

Penalties also played a huge factor in Sunday night's loss. Miami committed 10 accepted penalties to zero for Philadelphia, and a few non-calls didn't go the Dolphins' way.

Despite everything going against them, the Dolphins were still within striking distance of pulling off a win, trailing by only a touchdown late in the third quarter after falling behind early, 17-3. Ultimately, an untimely Tagovailoa interception swung the momentum in Philly's favor, but it won't always shake out that way.

Are there concerns that the Dolphins' only two losses have come against teams with aggressive offensive and defensive lines? Maybe.

However, the Dolphins are still 5-2 and the top dog in the AFC East. After Sunday, perhaps the best thing for Miami to do is turn the page, get healthy and prepare for their Week 8 contest against the New England Patriots.

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