Broncos Overcome 14-Point Deficit to Defeat Eagles, Ending Their Undefeated Streak

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

PHILADELPHIA — Sean Payton celebrated a milestone Sunday, earning his 173rd career win to surpass Bill Parcells on the NFL all-time wins list. Afterward, the veteran coach shared stories of facing tough NFC East road games with Parcells, but Sunday’s matchup gave him a brand-new story. The Denver Broncos erased a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to hand the Philadelphia Eagles their first loss of the season, 21-17. Quarterback Bo Nix orchestrated three scoring drives on consecutive possessions, including an 11-yard touchdown pass to Evan Engram. Running back J.K. Dobbins added a 2-yard rushing touchdown during the comeback. “You’re not going to forget just these moments,” Payton said. “Ultimately, that’s what you do it for. Making memories.” The Broncos’ defense sealed the victory when they knocked down Jalen Hurts’ final pass as time expired, sending the Super Bowl champions to only their second loss in 22 games. Nix reflected on the fourth-quarter rally: “We just kind of had this sense that we just needed one drive. Let’s go down the field, one play at a time, let’s put a drive together.” He completed 9 of 10 passes for 126 yards in the decisive period.

Denver’s comeback was aided by a key penalty against the Eagles on a late fourth-down play. Saquon Barkley’s illegal shift negated what would have been a conversion, forcing a punt instead. On the decisive drive, Nix connected with Courtland Sutton for 34 yards before finding Engram in the end zone. Payton then opted for a two-point conversion, which Nix completed to Troy Franklin, giving the Broncos an 18-17 lead with 7:36 remaining.

The Eagles, who had held a 17-3 lead entering the fourth quarter, struggled to respond. Hurts threw for 280 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown to Dallas Goedert and a 47-yard score to Barkley, but Philadelphia could not recover. Wil Lutz added a 36-yard field goal late in the game to secure the 21-17 win. The Broncos (3-2) will travel to London to face the New York Jets next Sunday, while the Eagles (4-1) have a short-week Thursday night matchup against the New York Giants.

Injuries:Broncos: RB Tyler Badie left with a shoulder injury late in the fourth quarter.Eagles: G Landon Dickerson suffered an ankle injury; TE Grant Calcaterra suffered an oblique injury.