Eagles First Shutout Since 2018 Secures Win Over the Raiders
What changed this week for the Eagles was not a complete overhaul of their identity, but a recommitment to it. After weeks of struggle, Philadelphia reestablished physical control from the opening drive against the Raiders, setting a tone that never wavered. The offense played with urgency, the defense played downhill, and the sideline carried an edge that had been missing in recent weeks. This was not a win built on trickery or explosive variance, but on discipline and intent. From the opening kickoff, the Eagles took complete control of the game.
Offensively, the biggest shift came from the run game and how it was prioritized. The Eagles leaned into a balanced attack, using early-down runs to stay ahead of the chains and force Las Vegas to respect play action. That commitment opened the throwing windows for Jalen Hurts, who was decisive and efficient rather than predictable, which we have seen in recent weeks. Getting the ball to Saquon Barkley early helped set the physical tone of the game, along with getting Dallas Goedert into the end zone for two touchdowns. The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, allowing drives to stay on schedule and wear down the Raiders’ front. Sustained possessions kept the defense fresh and steadily drained the Raiders’ confidence.
Defensively, the Eagles played exactly how we have come to expect them to play. Pitching their first shutout since 2018, they held the Raiders to just 75 total yards and never allowed Las Vegas to establish any rhythm. Third-down situations became longer and more predictable, forcing the Raiders into uncomfortable decisions and stalled drives. Philadelphia’s defense fed off that discomfort, turning stops into momentum rather than simply protecting a lead. Penalties were minimized, and communication errors that had plagued previous weeks were largely absent. Special teams also contributed by winning the field-position battle and eliminating hidden-yardage mistakes, as those small edges compounded throughout the game and kept Las Vegas chasing.
If there was one thing the Eagles needed to go out and do today, it was reclaiming control. The past few weeks have been disappointing overall for the team and its fans. The Eagles looked like a team that understood who they are and trusted that identity for four full quarters. Instead of being predictable and conservative with their play calling, they decided to play with no fear and hesitation, which ended up working in their favor today.
