PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles’ undefeated season is over. Philadelphia lost to the Denver Broncos in frustrating fashion, enduring a second-half collapse in a 21-17 defeat.
Here were the losers and winners from Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
Loser: Kevin Patullo
Once again, the Eagles’ offense failed to sustain any kind of rhythm and failed miserably to get the running game going with Saquon Barkley, arguably the best back in the league. That’s on everyone involved, especially the offensive line. But Patullo’s job is to figure it out, and he hasn’t.
Loser: The referees
The refs were bad all day for both sides. But there were a few questionable calls late that hurt the Eagles dearly. The first was an intentional grounding on Denver QB Bo Nix that was originally called and, for some reason, picked up. The second was a late hit on linebacker Zack Baun, which wasn’t malicious or obvious in any way. Both officiating decisions extended the Broncos’ final fourth-quarter drive that ended in a field goal. And the third was a no-call on what looked like a pretty clear DPI on the second-to-last throw of the game.
Loser: HC Nick Sirianni
That said, the Eagles were called for nine penalties for 55 yards. Several of those penalties were inexcusable errors during the Eagles’ second-half collapse. That reflects poorly on the players making the mistakes. But it also reflects poorly on the head coach. It has to.
Winner: WR DeVonta Smith
Lost in the A.J. Brown drama was the fact that he wasn’t the only star wide receiver not getting the ball. Smith had to be frustrated with the offense, too. Smith, arguably the best No. 2 receiver in the league, had only 20 targets through four games, with only two in last week’s win vs. the Buccaneers. Against Denver, Smith had eight receptions for 114 yards, including a 52-yard deep shot from Hurts.
Loser: CB Quinyon Mitchell
Mitchell, after stellar performances shadowing Davante Adams and Emeka Egbuka, was locking down Denver’s Courtland Sutton early. But a few fourth-quarter slipups in coverage vs. Sutton and a red-zone holding penalty proved costly. Sutton finished with eight catches for 99 yards.
Loser: CB Kelee Ringo
Again, Ringo looked fine for most of the game. But he got burned on the Broncos’ gutsy two-point conversion attempt. Nix’s throw to Troy Franklin was an easy conversion after Franklin put Ringo in a blender on a crisp in-and-out route.
Broncos Eagles Football
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) catches the ball for a two-point conversion in front of Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo (7) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)AP
Loser: OG Brett Toth
Landon Dickerson’s ankle injury took him out of the game, forcing Toth into the starting lineup. To no one’s surprise, Toth did not play nearly as well as the All-Pro pick would have. Toth allowed a sack and was called for a hold that all but killed a fourth-quarter drive.
Winner: Free-agent edge rushers
Edge rusher was a concern entering the season, and that was before Nolan Smith was placed on injured reserve. But a pair of free-agent signings stepped up. Za’Darius Smith, who was signed after the Week 1 win over Dallas, had two QB hits and a solo sack — the first of the season for Philly’s edge rushers. Azeez Ojulari, a healthy scratch through four weeks, was active vs. the Broncos and made the most of his day (TFL, QB hit).
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