PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by missed opportunities and a stifling Philadelphia pass rush, the Eagles grinded out a 16-9 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday at a rain-soaked Lincoln Financial Field.

A crowd of 69,879 watched as the Eagles improved to 8-2, maintaining their firm grip on the NFC East, while the Lions fell to 6-4 in a game where their offense repeatedly stalled in critical moments.

The contest was a far cry from the high-scoring affair projected by oddsmakers, with the two teams combining for just 25 total points, well under the over/under line of 46.5. Philadelphia’s defense, led by a relentless front and a key early turnover, was the story of the game.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was efficient, if not spectacular, completing 14 of 28 passes for 135 yards and adding 31 yards and a touchdown on the ground. His 1-yard quarterback sneak for a score with 16 seconds remaining in the first half gave the Eagles a 13-6 lead and proved to be the decisive touchdown.

The play was set up after a Saquon Barkley touchdown run was overturned by replay, placing the ball at the 1-yard line. Barkley was the workhorse for the Eagles, carrying the ball 26 times for 83 yards, consistently moving the chains against a tough Lions front.

Detroit’s offense, meanwhile, never found a consistent rhythm. Quarterback Jared Goff struggled with his accuracy and pressure from the Philadelphia defense, completing just 14 of 37 passes for 255 yards, one touchdown and one costly interception.

The lone bright spot for the Lions was the connection between Goff and his dynamic playmakers. Rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs was a dual threat, rushing for 39 yards and catching five passes for 107 yards. Jameson Williams caught four passes for 88 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown strike in the second quarter.

That touchdown, however, was immediately marred by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Williams, and the ensuing extra point was missed wide right by Jake Bates, leaving the Lions with only a 9-6 lead at the time.

The Eagles struck first with a 27-yard field goal from Jake Elliott on their opening drive, a possession set up by a critical interception from rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean. DeJean picked off a Goff pass intended for tight end Brock Wright, giving Philadelphia the ball deep in Detroit territory and setting the tone for the defensive battle.

Elliott added a 34-yard field goal in the second quarter and a crucial 49-yarder early in the fourth to extend the Eagles’ lead to 16-9, forcing the Lions to play for a touchdown down the stretch.

Detroit had its chances. They drove deep into Philadelphia territory on multiple occasions but came away with only three second-half points, a 54-yard field goal from Bates with 1:58 remaining in the game. The Lions’ final possession never materialized, as the Eagles effectively ran out the clock behind Barkley’s tough running.

The Eagles’ defensive effort was a collective one. Linebacker Jack Campbell of the Lions was a tackling machine with 15 stops, but Philadelphia’s pressure was constant. Linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Nakobe Dean each recorded a sack, while the unit as a whole consistently forced Goff into errant throws.

The victory sets up a pivotal NFC East showdown next Sunday when the Eagles travel to Dallas. The Lions, looking to rebound, will host the New York Giants.