Eagles Defeat Rams, 33–26: 10 Takeaways From Philadelphia’s Comeback Win
The Philadelphia Eagles appeared to be spiraling out of control. The Los Angeles Rams took a 26-7 lead early in the third quarter as Philadelphia’s fans deservingly showered the team with boos at Lincoln Financial Field.
Yet then the Eagles suddenly flipped a switch in the second half. Philadelphia’s offense sprang to life, led by a passionate and outspoken Jalen Hurts. The Eagles went on an unexpected 26-0 run to defeat the Rams by a final score of 33-26.
Here are my 10 takeaways from Philadelphia’s epic comeback victory in Week 3.
The Jordan Davis Game
After the Eagles exercised the fifth-year option on Jordan Davis’ rookie contract, there were some that questioned the move. Despite being selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Davis had seemingly failed to live up to the expectations that were placed upon him.
Yet that has all changed through the first three weeks of the regular season in 2025. Davis lost nearly 30 pounds and has been Philadelphia’s best defensive lineman thus far. He is playing the highest percentage of defensive snaps that he has in his NFL career and is making a massive impact.
Davis had a dominant performance against the Rams in Week 3. The 25-year-old recorded five total tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and a game-winning blocked field goal that he returned for a touchdown in the game’s final seconds. It’s safe to say that “The Jordan Davis Game” could help erase his label as a bust.
Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown Make a Statement
After underwhelming through the first two weeks of the regular season, Philadelphia’s offense appeared to hit a new low in the first half of Week 3. The Eagles somehow had 33 total yards of offense and -1 passing yards at halftime.
It was a nightmare start for the Eagles and Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown knew it was time for a change. After falling behind 26-7, Hurts led a passionate touchdown drive that got Philadelphia back in the game. Hurts talked about his mindset after the game:
“We gotta get out of this ‘playing not to lose,’ we gotta come out aggressive and play our game,” Hurts said. “You saw our game in the second half.”
Hurts completed 16 of 22 passes for 204 yards and three touchdowns in the second half. Brown hauled in six receptions for 109 yards and one touchdown. After waiting for two and a half games, Philadelphia’s dynamic duo was finally able to put it all together on the field.
Brown shared a similar sentiment to Hurts’ comments after the game as well.
"We have so many good players. At times it feels like we're being conservative,” Brown said. “I dont think it should be like that. Let your killers do their things. Play fast and play aggressive.”
After looking like an incompetent offense through the first two and a half games of the regular season, Philadelphia finally let their killers do their thing. Sure enough, it helped power the Eagles to an improbable comeback over the Rams in Week 3.
Zack Baun Is the Best LB in the NFL
Is there anything that Zack Baun can’t do? After being named a First-Team All-Pro in his first season at off-ball linebacker in 2024, Baun somehow continues to improve. He was a consistent force against the Rams in Week 3.
Baun recorded seven total tackles, two pass breakups and an interception to start the game. While Baun might not have the highest grade among off-ball linebackers according to Pro Football Focus, it’s hard to put any other players ahead of him at the position right now.
Jeff Stoutland Made an Uncharacteristic Mistake
Since arriving as the Eagles offensive line coach in 2013, Philadelphia’s fan base has been spoiled by Jeff Stoutland’s greatness. He has consistently helped develop the best offensive line room in the NFL. Yet Stoutland made an uncharacteristic mistake in Week 3.
After starting right tackle Lane Johnson suffered a neck injury in the first quarter, Stoutland called upon Matt Pryor to replace him. Yet Pryor killed several of Philadelphia’s drives with his struggles at the position, which eventually resulted in a strip sack early in the third quarter.
Despite failing to initially make the necessary halftime adjustment, Stoutland finally replaced Pryor with Fred Johnson in the third quarter. After inserting Johnson at right tackle, Philadelphia’s offense was seemingly unstoppable and went on a 26-0 run to win the game.
The Student Became the Master
Rams All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams expected to teach Eagles second-year cornerback Quinyon Mitchell a few lessons in Week 3. Adams said as much prior to kickoff during a pre-game appearance on ESPN:
“He’s a great young player,” Adams said about Mitchell. “But I’m hoping I can show him a few things he's never seen, never had to deal with before today.”
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Mitchell shadowed Adams on 27 of his 34 routes in Week 3. Mitchell allowed just two receptions on five targets for 12 yards. It’s safe to say that Adams’ plan didn’t work and that the student became the master on Sunday.
Philadelphia’s Options at CB2 Are Good Enough
One of the biggest concerns after Week 1 was the worrisome play of Adoree’ Jackson at CB2. Jackson was torched by the Dallas Cowboys, as he allowed five receptions for over 100 receiving yards. Yet he has bounced back in recent weeks.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson has allowed six receptions for 49 yards on 10 targets over Philadelphia’s last two games. While he has still struggled with missed tackles, Jackson has looked noticeably better than he did against the Cowboys.
Many Eagles’ fans have asked for Jackson to be replaced by Jakorian Bennett, which is fair. While the unknown with Bennett is intriguing, he has played reasonably well too. Bennett has allowed six receptions for 50 yards on nine targets.
Regardless of who starts at CB2 in Philadelphia, the team’s options at the position have played well enough through the first three weeks of the regular season. If Jackson and Bennett can continue to play at a reasonable level, the Eagles should be just fine moving forward.
The Eagles Have a Kick Returner Problem
Two of Eagles general manager Howie Roseman’s latest trade acquisitions served as Philadelphia’s kick returners in Week 3. Yet both Tank Bigsby and John Metchie III looked absolutely lost while trying to properly field Rams kicker Joshua Karty’s knuckleball kickoffs.
Bigsby and Metchie constantly misplayed Karty’s kicks on Sunday, as the ball bounced all around the field on nearly every kickoff return. It was truly an embarrassing showing by Philadelphia’s kickoff returners. It’s safe to say that handling these knuckleball kickoffs will certainly be a point of emphasis during meetings and practices this week.
Goodbye, Grant Calcaterra
After playing 90 offensive snaps over the first two regular season games, Grant Calcaterra saw his role dramatically decreased in Week 3. Calcaterra played just 13 snaps against the Rams as the Eagles abandoned their 12-personnel looks in the second half.
According to Deniz Selman, 41 of Philadelphia’s 44 offensive plays in the second half were in 11-personnel. Given Calcaterra’s struggles as a blocker, it’s hard to justify putting him out on the field right now.
The Eagles clearly found their flow on offense in the second half against the Rams. Hopefully that means that they’ll be using less 12-personnel and condensed formations moving forward.
Landon Dickerson Clearly Isn’t Healthy
While Landon Dickerson is trying to tough it out and play through multiple injuries, he clearly hasn’t been himself on the field. According to Pro Football Focus, Dickerson has already allowed nine total pressures in three games.
That’s an uncharacteristically high pressure rate for Dickerson, given his level of play through the first four seasons in the NFL. For the sake of comparison, here is Dickerson’s allowed pressure rate through five seasons, according to PFF:
2021: 6.6%
2022: 3.1%
2023: 6.0%
2024: 5.6%
2025: 9.8%
It’s clear that Dickerson is struggling out there in 2025, as he has allowed a pressure rate that is 3.2% higher than he ever has in his NFL career. While Dickerson’s toughness is impressive, he might be hurting the Eagles more than he is helping right now.
Jalyx Hunt’s Breakout Is Coming Soon
Eagles second-year edge rusher Jalyx Hunt has yet to register a sack this season. Hunt has recorded eight total pressures in just 56 snaps as a pass rusher. Hunt has also registered three quarterback hits in 2025, according to PFF.
Hunt’s pressure rate of 14.3% is the highest among Philadelphia’s defensive linemen this season. While the 24-year-old hasn’t registered a sack this season, his breakout is coming soon.