Philadelphia Eagles rookie safety Sydney Brown electrified Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday with a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown in the team’s 20-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Longest Play in Eagles History
Brown’s first career NFL touchdown was the longest interception return in Eagles franchise history. The fourth-round pick out of Illinois read Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray perfectly and jumped an out route near the sidelines. Brown caught the ball at the 1-yard line and went untouched down the right side, high-stepping into the end zone to put the Eagles up 14-0 in the first quarter.
“I was just reading my keys and the quarterback, and broke as soon as he threw the ball,” Brown said. “I didn’t see anyone in front of me, just green grass. At that point, I knew I was taking it all the way back.”
At 99 yards, it was the longest play in Eagles history, breaking the previous record of 98 yards held by linebacker Jamar Chaney.
| Longest Plays in Eagles History |
|---|
| 99 yards – Sydney Brown interception return TD (12/31/2022) |
| 98 yards – Jamar Chaney interception return TD (10/2/2011) |
Brown, who played college football at the University of Illinois, was selected 121st overall by the Eagles in the 2022 NFL Draft. He has carved out a key role in the Eagles’ defense as a rookie.
Twin’s NFL Debut
Incredibly, it was also the first career NFL interception for Brown’s twin brother, Anthony, who plays for the Baltimore Ravens. Anthony Brown intercepted Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett in the first quarter of the Ravens’ game Sunday.
“For it to happen on the same day, in the same quarter, is crazy,” Sydney Brown said. “I was yelling so loud when I saw his pick that some of my teammates didn’t even know what I was celebrating at first.”
The Browns became the first twins in NFL history to record interceptions in the same game.
Defensive Struggles
The Eagles have leaned heavily on their top-ranked defense with injuries impacting their offense throughout the year. Quarterback and MVP candidate Jalen Hurts missed the last two games with a shoulder sprain, forcing backup Gardner Minshew into action.
Despite holding Arizona to just 10 points, Philadelphia’s defense struggled early against Murray and the Cardinals. The Eagles allowed 217 total yards in the first half and were fortunate to escape several Cardinal drives without allowing points. Murray completed 21-of-33 passes for 269 yards on the day.
“Kyler was able to break contain a few times in the first half,” Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon said. “We cleaned some things up at halftime and played more disciplined down the stretch.”
Brown’s Pick Six swung momentum fully in Philadelphia’s favor after Arizona drove to midfield on the previous possession.
“That was obviously the turning point,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said. “It got the crowd into it. The energy that play created set the tone for the rest of the game.”
Playoff Push
The win secured the top seed in the NFC for Philadelphia (13-2) and gave them the lone playoff bye as the postseason nears. The Eagles finish the regular season next week on the road against the New York Giants.
Brown and the Eagles will have two weeks to rest and prepare for their first playoff opponent at home on January 21st or 22nd. They rode a similar path last season to the playoffs as a Wild Card team before losing in the Divisional Round.
“We’re exactly where we want to be going into the playoffs this year,” Brown said. “I think this year feels different though with the chemistry we have on defense and getting guys healthy again on offense. The goal is still a Super Bowl, and I think this team has everything it takes to get there.”
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