📸 Image Credit: Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles continue their 2025 campaign with an unblemished 4–0 record, but their next opponent might be their toughest test yet. The Denver Broncos, fresh off a dominant win over the Bengals, look like a team rediscovering its identity.
One franchise seeks to maintain perfection; the other craves validation. Both share a foundation of physical, defense-first football — setting the stage for one of Week 5’s most compelling matchups.
Eagles Keep Winning, but Haven’t Hit Top Gear
Philadelphia’s undefeated record tells one story; the film tells another. Despite consistent victories, the Eagles’ offense hasn’t completely clicked. Their 24–10 win over Tampa Bay showcased flashes of efficiency — every red-zone trip ended in a touchdown — yet the explosive rhythm that defined past seasons remains elusive.
Tight end Dallas Goedert was the centerpiece, scoring twice with smooth red-zone execution. Jalen Hurts posted a passer rating above 100, throwing two touchdowns with no interceptions, but his production through the air remains modest. He’s been held under 155 passing yards in three of four games, taking multiple sacks in each.
That lack of vertical punch could be costly against a Denver defense built to pressure quarterbacks relentlessly.
Orange Crush 2.0 Is Back in Business
If there’s a defense capable of grounding the Eagles’ air attack, it’s Denver’s. The Broncos completely suffocated the Bengals last week, surrendering only a single field goal and holding Cincinnati to 2-for-11 on third downs. Joe Burrow’s offense reached the red zone just once — a staggering display of control and communication from Denver’s front seven.
Through four games, the Broncos are allowing just 16 points per game, second-best in the league. Only two passing touchdowns have been scored against them, and opposing quarterbacks own a sub-80 passer rating with the third-lowest completion rate in the NFL.
The surge starts up front. Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper have been relentless off the edge, combining for 9.5 sacks already. Denver’s 15 total sacks lead the NFL — a stat that’s reviving memories of the old “Orange Crush” defense.
If that pressure continues, Hurts’ timing and protection will be tested like never before this season.
Bo Nix Growing Up Fast
Quietly, rookie quarterback Bo Nix is starting to look the part of a franchise leader. His Week 4 performance — 326 yards, two touchdowns, and complete command of the offense — was his best yet. He averaged 7.8 yards per attempt and distributed the ball confidently across his receiving corps.
Philadelphia’s secondary, meanwhile, showed vulnerability against Baker Mayfield, surrendering 285 yards and two deep touchdowns even without Mike Evans on the field. That presents a real opportunity for Nix, who now has the poise and personnel to exploit mismatches.
Broncos’ Emerging Offensive Trio
Denver’s passing game has quietly become one of the league’s most balanced attacks. Courtland Sutton continues to deliver as the steady No. 1, tallying 81 yards and a touchdown against Cincinnati — his third of the season. Rookie Marvin Mims added 69 receiving yards, a touchdown, and even a 16-yard rushing score. Troy Franklin, Nix’s former Oregon teammate, pulled in eight receptions for 55 yards, further strengthening the chemistry in the passing game.
Behind them, the Broncos’ ground game has evolved into a two-man punch. J.K. Dobbins has improved his rushing total each week, capped by a 101-yard performance in Week 4. RJ Harvey contributed 58 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown, giving Denver both power and versatility out of the backfield.
Ground Game Chess Match
The Eagles’ defensive front remains elite, but it’s not immune to exploitation. Through four games, Philadelphia is surrendering 4.8 yards per carry — a crack in their otherwise dominant wall. They contained Tampa Bay’s Rachaad White last week, but the combination of Dobbins and Harvey presents a different challenge.
For the Eagles, the concern runs the other way. Saquon Barkley hasn’t yet found his stride, averaging just 43 yards on 2.3 per carry in Week 4 and sitting below 3.4 yards per rush in three of four games. Philadelphia’s offense works best when Barkley sets the tone — something they’ll need if Hurts is to avoid Denver’s ferocious pass rush.
Bottom Line
Expect a tense, grind-it-out affair defined by defensive dominance and small-margin mistakes. Denver’s front seven will disrupt Hurts early, and Bo Nix will continue to show promise with smart decision-making and quick reads.
But in the fourth quarter, experience and composure will favor Philadelphia. Hurts’ calm leadership and Barkley’s late-game burst should carry the Eagles to a narrow victory — keeping their perfect season alive by the slimmest of margins.
