Despite a 4-1 record, the Eagles’ struggles on offense and inconsistent performance raise concerns about their Super Bowl title defense.

Philadelphia Eagles players strategize on the field during a game, showcasing their teamwork and determination as they face off against their opponents.

The Philadelphia Eagles, champions of the 2024 Super Bowl, suffered a stunning collapse in a 21-17 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, ending their undefeated streak and exposing deep-seated issues within the team. With a 17-3 lead in the fourth quarter, the Eagles were poised for another win, but a combination of offensive struggles, a faltering run game, and costly penalties led to an 18-point deficit in the final quarter. The loss has reignited concerns about the Eagles’ ability to sustain their success after a season that has already seen them win only by narrow margins.

The Eagles’ offensive inconsistencies have been apparent throughout the season, with their passing attack averaging just 138 yards per game—the second fewest in the NFL. Their rushing game, once led by Saquon Barkley, has seen a dramatic decline, averaging 66 fewer yards per game compared to the previous season. The team’s reliance on quarterback Jalen Hurts’ “Tush Push” play has become increasingly evident, with Barkley’s carries dropping significantly this season. In fact, Barkley has only averaged 53 rushing yards per game in 2025, a stark contrast to his 125-yard average in the 2024 Super Bowl season.

The loss also highlights the Eagles’ vulnerability, as they have struggled to maintain a consistent offensive rhythm. With only four wins by a single score, the team has relied on luck and last-minute plays to secure victories. For instance, their win over the Rams was saved by a last-second blocked kick, and their victory over the Buccaneers was bolstered by a blocked punt returned for a touchdown. Now, with a short week ahead, the Eagles face the New York Giants in a crucial matchup that could determine their trajectory for the season.

Meanwhile, the NFL’s Week 5 saw other surprising outcomes, including the Tennessee Titans’ improbable 22-21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals after a costly mistake by running back Emari Demercado. Demercado, who had just scored a 71-yard touchdown, threw the ball in celebration at the 1-yard line, resulting in a touchback instead of a touchdown. The Titans, who had a win probability of just 1.8% at one point, managed to pull off the comeback with a last-second field goal, marking one of the most improbable wins in NFL history.

Elsewhere, quarterback duels and coaching decisions continued to shape the narrative of the season. In a highly anticipated matchup, Baker Mayfield of the Buccaneers and Sam Darnold of the Seahawks delivered standout performances. Mayfield completed 29 of 33 passes for 379 yards, while Darnold went 28 for 34 with 341 yards and four touchdown passes. However, Darnold’s costly late interception ultimately cost his team the game, underscoring the high stakes of such matchups.

In the AFC, the New York Jets continued their dismal start to the season, falling to 0-5 after a 37-22 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Jets, who had hoped for a fresh start under new head coach Aaron Glenn, have struggled on both sides of the ball and have yet to show any signs of improvement. Glenn, a former defensive back with the team, has faced a daunting challenge in turning around a franchise that has long been plagued by inconsistency and poor performance.

As the season progresses, the Eagles and other teams will need to address their issues if they hope to achieve their goals. For the Eagles, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether they can bounce back from this setback and continue their pursuit of a repeat Super Bowl title.

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