Eagles Shutout Raiders, 31-0: 10 Takeaways From Philadelphia’s Much-Needed Win

The Philadelphia Eagles snapped their three-game losing streak with a dominant win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15. The Eagles defeated the Raiders, 31-0, earning their first shutout win since a 24-0 victory at Washington in 2018.

More importantly, Philadelphia’s offense appeared to get back on track against the lowly Raiders. The Eagles were efficient and balanced as they put together arguably the best offensive performance of the season.

Here are my 10 takeaways from Philadelphia’s much-needed win.

Jalen Hurts Proved His Doubters Wrong

After committing five turnovers against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 14, the criticism of Jalen Hurts was getting out of control. There were some that were calling for Hurts to be benched, which did end up happening on Sunday…just now how those people expected it to happen.

Hurts returned back to his ultra efficient ways as he completed 12 of 15 passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Hurts became the first Eagles quarterback in the Super Bowl era to throw three passing touchdowns with three or fewer incompletions in a single game.

While Hurts looked much sharper as a passer against the Raiders, his running ability was also back on display. The Eagles utilized Hurts on designed runs a few times and it helped open up  the entire offense, as he rushed seven times for 39 yards.

Kevin Patullo Pitched a Complete Game

Similar to Jalen Hurts, some continued to call for the job of Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo after Philadelphia’s loss in Week 14. Patullo was also able to silence the doubters, as the Eagles offense put together an efficient and balanced performance.

Patullo utilized a mix of both under center and shotgun formations, while marrying both the run and pass together beautifully. The Eagles scored 31 points in just eight possessions, including a cowardly run at the end of the first half that could have possibly added more points.

Another Cowardly End to the First Half

For what seemed like the millionth time this season, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was far too conservative at the end of the first half. The Eagles got the ball with 24 seconds left at the 21-yards line with three timeouts remaining.

Yet Sirianni elected to go with a cowardly run with Saquon Barkley, gaining just four yards and running the clock out. It felt like another missed opportunity for the Eagles to potentially get points at the end of the first half. While it ultimately didn’t matter in this game, Sirianni needs to do a better job moving forward.

Dallas Goedert Bet on Himself (and Won)

It appeared as though the Eagles and Dallas Goedert were heading towards a divorce in the offseason. Yet the soon-to-be 31-year-old tight end agreed to restructure his contract and returned to Philadelphia on a one-year deal.

Fast forward to Week 15 and Goedert is enjoying a career year with the Eagles. Goedert has already surpassed his single-season high in receiving touchdowns with nine in 2025, yet he is also on pace to record a single-season high in receptions.

It’s safe to say that Goedert made the right move by betting on himself. He has thrived as a red zone weapon in Patullo’s offense and he would have had three receiving touchdowns against the Raiders if he didn’t drop one of them.

More Cameron Latu and Darius Cooper, Less Grant Calcaterra

One of the interesting wrinkles that the Eagles utilized in Week 15 was a bit more variety in personnel usage. Cameron Latu and Darius Cooper each played a bigger role than usual, which certainly helped in the running game given their blocking ability.

Yet it’s worth noting that Grant Calcaterra was still utilized far too much. Calcaterra played 37 snaps against the Raiders, 18 more snaps than Latu, and was called upon to make key blocks in the run game a few times. That can’t happen.

Brandon Graham Found a New Home

When the Eagles signed Brandon Graham out of retirement, many expected the 37-year-old veteran to make plays on the edge. Yet Graham may have found a new home over the last two weeks with the Eagles.

Following Jalen Carter’s injury, Graham was asked to play along the interior of the defensive line against the Chargers and the Raiders. Graham has surprisingly looked at home on the inside, as he recorded two sacks in Week 15.

While Graham retired following last season, it seems like the move inside could add another year or two to his career. Once Carter returns, the Eagles should still rotate Graham on the inside.

Eagles Have the Best LB Duo in the NFL

Since Nakobe Dean returned as a starter in Week 8, Philadelphia’s defense has went to another level. Zack Baun and Dean have continued to build on their success from last season and I can confidently call them the best linebacker duo in the NFL.

Baun perfectly high-pointed and intercepted a pass from Kenny Pickett when Las Vegas finally appeared to be driving. Meanwhile, Dean led the Eagles with eight total tackles against the Raiders, including two tackles for loss.

Nolan Smith Is Officially Back

Since returning in Week 10, Eagles third-year edge rusher Nolan Smith has provided a much-needed boost as a pass rusher. Prior to Week 15, Smith ranked among the league leaders in pressure rate since he returned.

The 24-year-old likely only improved that number as he recorded a sack against the Raiders on Sunday. Smith has now recorded three sacks in his first six games back from a stint on injured reserve.

Adoree’ Jackson Continues To Make Me Look Good

Prior to the start of the regular season, I wrote an article defending Adoree’ Jackson as Philadelphia’s CB2. While many criticized me for defending the Jackson as a potential starter, he has continued to make me look good this season.

Jackson got off to a rough start against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1, yet he has bounced back since then. The 30-year-old veteran has been a solid, affordable compliment to Philadelphia’s elite cornerback duo of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.

Britain Covey Providing Stability at Punt Returner

Following the Xavier Gipson debacle, the Eagles turned to Britain Covey at punt returner in Week 13. Since being added to the 53-man roster, Covey has provided the Eagles with much-needed stability in the return game.

While Covey’s stat-line against the Raiders didn’t look impressive, he was efficient and provided the Eagles with solid field position. In three games, Covey has averaged 12.1 yards per punt return this season.