Eagles Lose First Game Due to Critical Penalties Against Broncos

The Philadelphia Eagles suffered their first loss of the 2025 season against the Denver Broncos, 21-17, largely due to self-inflicted penalties and missteps that disrupted their rhythm and discipline. Star linebacker Zack Baun was central to the defeat, committing a critical unnecessary roughness penalty late in the game that extended a Broncos drive and allowed them to run out the clock, which many viewed as a costly mental error. The Eagles' effort to accommodate wide receiver AJ Brown's demand for more targets disrupted their offensive flow and contributed to an unbalanced game plan. Head coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged that many penalties were "dumb mistakes" and took responsibility for the team's failure to master the fundamental, no-talent aspects of the game. While some officiating calls were questioned, the Eagles' own errors, including penalties that negated key first downs and extended opponents' drives, were decisive factors in their collapse. The loss highlighted how the Eagles, previously known for discipline and near-flawless execution, unraveled in the crucial moments against the Broncos.