The Eagles outgained the Saints by 120 yards, but they trail in the only stat that really matters.

New Orleans hit a field goal on their opening drive, and neither team put more points on the board for the remainder of the half. The 3-0 lead isn’t what we’ve come to expect from the Saints so far this season, but they’ll take it given how things could have gone.

Tyrann Mathieu killed an Eagles scoring opportunity by beating Devonta Smith to a pass from Jalen Hurts in the end zone, and the Eagles failed to convert a fourth down from the Eagles’ 15-yard line on their final offensive play of the half. The decision not to kick a field goal may not be as hotly debated as head coach Nick Sirianni’s decision to kick last Monday night, but the decision not to let Saquon Barkley run on a conventional play may be.

The Eagles lined up as if they were going to attempt the Tush Push, but Hurts instead handed the ball to Barkley on a sweep. The Saints were not fooled, taking a knee to run out of the half on the next play.

Hurts also lost a fumble on a sack by Carl Granderson, contributing to a frustrating half for the Eagles. In addition to the fouls, right tackle Lane Johnson went in for a concussion evaluation and right guard Mekhi Becton is questionable to return with a finger injury. The Saints lost center Erik McCoy to a groin injury, so both offensive lines are thin for the second half.