Halftime Update: New Orleans Saints 3, Philadelphia Eagles 0

The New Orleans Saints offense made all the headlines to start the 2024 season with two consecutive 40-point games, but it was the Saints defense that paved the way to a 3-0 halftime lead over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Caesars Superdome.

Defensive end Carl Granderson strip-sacked quarterback Jalen Hurts that was recovered by linebacker Willie Gay to end a Philadelphia possession, while safety Tyrann Mathieu ended another potential Eagles drive when he intercepted Hurts six yards deep in the end zone on the first possession of the second quarter. It was Mathieu's second interception of the season and the 35th of his career. Defensive back Alontae Taylor shared a sack with Granderson on the first possession. Taylor has 3.5 sacks this season and Granderson has three.

And in perhaps the most important play of the half, the Saints stopped running back Saquan Barkley on fourth-and-1 when the ball was at the 15-yard line. The Eagles chose not to execute their famous “tush push” on this play.

The Saints, trying to make it 3-0 for the first time since 2013, lost center Erik McCoy to a groin injury on the first possession, forcing left guard Lucas Patrick to move to center and Oli Udoh to take Patrick's place at left guard. The offense struggled without McCoy and Taysom Hill (who was out Sunday morning with a chest injury), as the Saints were forced to punt three times in the first half, the first time this season they have had to punt in the first half.

Kicker Blake Grupe completed a 34-yard pass from the right upright to finish the opening drive with points. Quarterback Derek Carr was seven of 13 passing for 51 yards, while Alvin Kamara had 12 carries for 33 yards. Receiver Chris Olave had three catches for 36 yards.

The Eagles (1-1) get the ball early in the second half. Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson left the game to be evaluated for a concussion.