DeFranco: Early offensive explosion precedes Eagles collapse against Denver

PHILADELPHIA — The explosives came early, the implosion late.

The Eagles took a two-score lead into the fourth quarter Sunday but gave up 18 unanswered points to lose 21-17 to the Denver Broncos at Lincoln Financial Field. Here are five things we learned about the Birds, who suffered their first home loss since September of last year against Atlanta.

1. Explosive plays still flash, but not enough to carry them

The Eagles managed to connect on big shots: A 47-yard Saquon Barkley catch on a wheel route, a 52-yard strike to DeVonta Smith and a 24-yard catch by Jahan Dotson. Those plays showed the capability is there. (Will Shipley and Tank Bigsby added returns of 37 and 26 yards on special teams.)

However, A.J. Brown had just five catches for 43 yards on eight targets, including a misconnection on a third-quarter deep route that had touchdown potential. The Eagles couldn’t string enough sequences together.

2. The passing game awoke — until the Broncos responded

Jalen Hurts’ stat line (23 of 38, 280 yards, 2 TDs, no INTs) was strong, and through three quarters the passing offense looked dangerous. But in the final quarter, Denver’s coverage tightened, pressure increased and the Birds’ passing attack lost momentum again.

The Broncos forced more difficult down-and-distance situations and limited the Eagles’ ability to push the ball vertically when it was most needed.

3. Running game is still a glaring weakness

Barkley’s limited volume (six carries for 30 yards) highlights just how little the Eagles leaned on the run, especially when Denver was daring them to do so. Considering he was averaging five yards per carry and Shipley six, it would have made sense to run the ball with 14-point lead in the second half.

In late-game situations, the Birds failed to stay balanced or force the Broncos to respect the run. That made their offense more predictable and vulnerable in crunch time.

4. The defense dominated for three quarters

Until the fourth, the Eagles’ defense was suffocating, holding Denver largely in check in both rushing and passing. The unit seemed in control entering the final period after forcing six consecutive Broncos punts.

But Denver and its stout offensive front stuck with the run and repeatedly began to break through during a fourth-quarter surge that included a J.K. Dobbins touchdown burst.

Quarterback Bo Nix hit tight end Evan Engram for a score following a 34-yard completion to Courtland Sutton. Coach Sean Payton, always aggressive, called for a 2-point conversion, and Nix found Troy Franklin to give the Broncos an 18-17 advantage with 7:36 remaining.

5. Offensive line remains an issue

The Eagles’ offensive line was historically effective last year but hasn’t been as sharp this season. Depth is a concern. The Eagles lost left guard Landon Dickerson (ankle), plus blocking tight end Grant Calcaterra (oblique), in the first quarter.

Backup LG Brett Toth struggled, flagged for a fourth-period penalty, in place of Dickerson. A late flag on right guard Tyler Steen also hurt.

As the Broncos sensed weakness inside, they attacked it. Hurts was sacked six times and hit eight times. Denver contained his scrambling ability to just two attempts for three yards.

6. (Bonus) Penalties and non-calls sting down the stretch

In a comeback game where every yard and decision mattered, there were several penalties and controversial calls (or non-calls) that shaped the final outcome. Here are just a few highlights:

• On a pivotal drive late, rookie Eagles safety Drew Mukuba stuffed RJ Harvey’s run on third-and-2, but a late-flag on Zack Baun extended the series.

• Intentional grounding was initially called on Denver but then overruled by replay assist. That allowed Nix to complete a pass to Sutton for 16 yards.

• Flags on Steen and Barkley caused an Eagles drive to sputter midway through the fourth quarter.

• The officials swallowed their whistles on what should have been a defensive pass interference deep in Denver territory that prevented Dallas Goedert from a chance at the ball with nine seconds left.

Bottom Line

The Eagles (4-1) continue to show they have big-play juice, a dangerous passing game, and a defense capable of domination. But in this one, Denver (3-2) impressed by making the adjustments and exploiting the flaws when it mattered most.

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Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X at @the_defranco.