In a breathtaking finale, the Denver Broncos staged a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, bringing an end to the Philadelphia Eagles’ impressive franchise-record streak of 10 consecutive wins, which dated back to last season. The Eagles appeared to be in control, leading 17-3 as they entered the final quarter. However, the momentum shifted dramatically, and the Broncos capitalized on their opportunity, clinching a 21-17 victory after the Eagles’ last-gasp attempt by quarterback Jalen Hurts fell short in a crowded end zone.
This defeat marks the Eagles’ first loss since December 22, 2024, against the Washington Commanders, and it disrupts a long streak of successes, leaving them with a season record of 4-1. They will look to regroup quickly as they prepare for a Thursday night matchup against the New York Giants.
Throughout the game, star players A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith made their dissatisfaction with the team’s passing attack known. Their frustration translated into a significant contribution, combining for 13 receptions on 18 targets and gaining 157 yards, including a season-high 114 yards for Smith. However, the Eagles struggled with their play-calling, placing an emphasis on passing with 38 attempts compared to just 11 runs, and only six of those carries delivered by standout running back Saquon Barkley.
Defensively, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio implemented a strategy that initially contained Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. For much of the game, Nix faced challenges, particularly on third down, where the Broncos converted only 5 out of 16 attempts. However, in the pressure-packed fourth quarter, Nix found his rhythm, going 9 for 10 passing and helping his team score three crucial touchdowns.
The Eagles’ linebacker duo, Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell, stood out in their individual performances, each delivering a series of tackles that kept the Broncos off balance. Campbell recorded a career-high 11 tackles, while Baun added 12 tackles along with two quarterback hits. Despite their strong outing, a late unnecessary roughness penalty on Baun contributed to Philadelphia’s struggles in the final stretch.
Azeez Ojulari, who had been inactive for the first four games of the season, seized the opportunity to make an impact in this contest due to injuries on the defensive side. His contributions included a tackle for loss and significant pressure on Nix, which seemed to affect the quarterback’s confidence. If Ojulari continues this level of performance, he could earn more playing time in the future.
The game also featured a contentious officiating performance, with referee Adrian Hill’s crew flagging a total of 21 penalties for 176 yards. Eagles fans voiced their frustrations over several pivotal calls, including a missed intentional grounding penalty and a no-call for pass interference against Dallas Goedert on a crucial fourth-quarter play. While the Eagles players refrained from placing blame on the officiating for the loss, it raised concerns about the influence of officials in shaping the game’s outcome. The Broncos’ penalty yardage was notably higher, totaling 121 yards compared to the Eagles’ 55.
With this defeat, the Eagles missed an opportunity to set a new franchise record with an 11th consecutive victory, remaining at the 10-win mark they achieved twice over the past year. Additionally, the team faced a setback in the red zone, managing only a field goal on their first trip rather than converting their usual touchdowns.
As the Eagles head into their next game, the pressure will be on Hurts and the offense to refine their execution, as they look to bounce back against the Giants and regain their winning momentum.
