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Philadelphia Eagles: Current Status & Recent Developments

From Super Bowl Rematch Glory to Offensive Struggles: Breaking Down the Eagles’ Season Start

By David BinghamPublished 4 months ago 6 min read
Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles Jackets have started the 2025 NFL season strong, coming off their Super Bowl LIX win. They enter Week 3 with a 2-0 record, already having beaten the Dallas Cowboys and more recently the Kansas City Chiefs in a dramatic Super Bowl rematch. But along with the wins have come injuries, controversy (especially officiating), and plenty of questions about consistency and identity. Here’s a breakdown of where things stand.

Big Win vs. the Chiefs & Game Highlights

  • The Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 20-17 in a rematch of Super Bowl LIX, and that win boosted their record to 2-0.

  • Key moments from that game:

  • Saquon Barkley rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown. Los Angeles Angels PCL Jacket

  • Jalen Hurts added a rushing touchdown and threw for over 100 yards.

  • A 58-yard field goal just before halftime gave momentum. Brooklyn Dodgers 1947-50 Jacket

  • The “tush push” play in the fourth quarter – Hurts scored that way to break the tie and seal the win.

  • The Eagles were outgained in total yardage (Chiefs 294 vs. Eagles 216) but maximized key plays, showing effectiveness when it mattered. NY Black Yankees Jacket

This kind of gritty win is often a sign of a team with experience and leadership, able to find ways to win even when not perfect. It also raises expectations: the Eagles will now be judged more closely, especially in how cleanly they play and whether they can dominate rather than just scrape by.

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Injuries & Key Player News

Dallas Goedert (Tight End) is officially ruled out for the Chiefs game due to a knee injury.

  • In his absence, Grant Calcaterra stepped in as the starting tight end. Calcaterra had limited stats last season but now gets a big opportunity.

  • Ben VanSumeren (Fullback) has been placed on injured reserve after suffering a serious knee injury (torn patellar tendon) on the opening kickoff of the season opener. He is out for the season. Harvard University Black Varsity Jacket

  • Za’Darius Smith was signed by the Eagles to strengthen their pass rush. A veteran three-time Pro Bowler, Smith has prior experience with several teams (Ravens, Packers, Vikings, Browns, Lions). His signing came soon after the season opener.

  • From the Eagles’ injury reports & roster news (Bleeding Green Nation and the official site):
  • Jalen Carter has been upgraded in the injury report.
  • Will Shipley has returned to practice after being limited or out.
  • Dallas Goedert remains limited in practice in recent reports. Nightmare Cody Rhodes Windbreaker Jacket

Controversy: The “Tush Push” & Officiating Issues

This has been one of the big talking points after the Eagles-Chiefs game.

  • The “tush push” is a short-yardage, goal-line play used by the Eagles in the fourth quarter that resulted in a touchdown by Jalen Hurts. It has drawn criticism for potential false-start infractions by the offensive line before the snap. New York Yankees Varsity Wool Leather Jacket
  • The NFL has admitted that a false start should have been called during one of these plays, and has instructed officials to more strictly enforce false starts and other pre-snap movement on such plays.
  • Travis Kelce, among others, addressed the controversy, saying he doesn’t care what critics say; other Eagles (like tackle Jordan Mailata) defended the team, arguing the narrative that the win came only via “tush push” is unfair. 1950 Philadelphia Phillies Windbreaker Jacket
  • Officiating is under the microscope. The league wants to reduce ambiguity in calls, particularly for short-yardage plays like this. Fans & media are also pushing for consistent enforcement.

Roster Moves & Transactions

  • The Eagles have been busy deepening their roster and making necessary moves:

  • Kenyon Green was signed to the active roster on September 17, 2025.

  • Waived / released several players from the practice squad or active roster in the last weeks to make space or due to injuries.

  • Signed veteran Za’Darius Smith to a one-year deal to help with pass rush.

  • Because of injuries (e.g. Goedert, VanSumeren), backups and lesser-used players are being asked to step in and show what they can do. Depth is being tested.

Strengths & What’s Looking Good

  • Defense stepping up: Despite the Eagles being outgained vs. the Chiefs, they made big plays on defense. The interception thrown by Mahomes late in the game, plus key coverage plays, were critical.
  • Rookies contributing: Andrew Mukuba (Safety, rookie) had a key interception in the Chiefs game and is already making noise.
  • Running Game: Saquon Barkley continues to be effective, getting yardage and contributing—a positive sign for balancing the offense.
  • Character & grit: The win at Arrowhead is not easy. Playing well when behind, capitalizing on the opposition’s errors, executing special teams (long field goal, onside kick recovery) and key plays — these show that the squad has mental toughness.

Weaknesses & Areas to Improve

  • Passing offense still inconsistent: The Eagles have not yet shown dominant passing output in all games. With Goedert out and other receivers having limited production, the passing game needs to develop more explosiveness.
  • Reliance on big plays & opponent mistakes: Some wins are hinged on errors by opponents (drops, penalties, turnovers), not always on clean execution by Philly. For sustainable success, they need fewer mistakes of their own, and more consistent drive-by-drive performance.
  • Injury concerns: Losing guys like Goedert and VanSumeren hurts. Depth must step up and avoid further injuries. Also important is managing the recovery of players like Jalen Carter.
  • Public criticism from veterans: After the Chiefs game, veteran guard Lane Johnson criticized Hurts, calling the performance “sh*tty, ugly football,” pointing out that while the win was there, the process was messy. Such criticism from within sometimes reflects internal frustration or high expectations, but also brings pressure.

Upcoming Game & Matchups

  • Week 3 vs. Los Angeles Rams: The Eagles return home to face the Rams. This matchup is interesting because it features the Eagles’ relatively young defense vs. the Rams’ older offense. There’s a contrast of styles and strengths here.
  • The Rams still have veteran stars like Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams, so it will test Philly’s ability to defend experienced receivers and manage game tempo.

Reactions, Media, and Fan Sentiment

  • The anguish over how the game looked (messy, with mistakes) is real among fans and media. Even after a win, many are pointing to issues — lack of rhythm in offense, penalties, and needed improvements.
  • But wins always bring energy. Beating a high-profile team like Kansas City, especially on the road, builds confidence. Players, coaches, and fans seem aware that things aren’t perfect, but also that they have positive momentum.
  • Controversies (like the officiating / “tush push”) fuel discussion. They also put pressure on the league and officials to clarify rules and enforce them more strictly. For the Eagles, managing that narrative (not letting critics define their success just by controversy) becomes part of their off-field challenge.

What To Watch Moving Forward

Here are some key things to monitor in the coming weeks for the Eagles:

  • Passing Game Uptick: Once Goedert returns, or as other receivers get more production, can the Eagles spread the field better? Can Hurts make more explosive throws, particularly downfield?
  • Maintaining Defensive Intensity & Limiting Big Plays: The defense has been good in clutch moments so far. But conceding big gains or playing with soft coverage down the stretch could cost in tighter matchups.
  • Special Teams & Key Situations: Field goal range plays, fourth-downs, onside kick recoveries — execution in those moments has been decisive already (e.g. that 58-yard field goal, recovery after Chiefs late score).
  • Roster Health & Depth Impact: Especially at tight end, fullback, offensive line — any more injuries could expose weak spots. How well backups perform will matter.
  • Officiating Changes / Rule Enforcement: With the NFL warning about “tush push” false starts and pre-snap movement, future games may see more strict enforcement. The Eagles will need to ensure their plays are clean and legal to avoid penalties in critical moments.
  • Controlling the Narrative: Managing expectations, handling internal criticism (like from Lane Johnson), and continuing to show improvement under pressure will help shape both team morale and external perception.

Conclusion & Outlook

The Philadelphia Eagles have made a strong start to the 2025 season: 2-0, a Super Bowl rematch win, and showing character in tight moments. They still face real challenges — injuries, offensive inconsistency, and questions about execution and discipline.

But the positives are tangible: a deep defense, playmaking on big moments, smart roster additions (like Za’Darius Smith), contributions from rookies like Andrew Mukuba, and the ability to win even when not perfect.

If the Eagles can clean up some of their sloppy play, stay healthy, and execute more consistently, they look like serious contenders again. Games like their upcoming matchup vs. the Rams will be important measuring sticks. Fans should expect both tough competition and moments of brilliance — that has become the identity of this team.

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David Bingham

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