Eagles hold on to defeat Buccaneers in an epic showdown

Philadelphia Eagles 31-25 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL, Week 4, September 28, 2025) In a thrilling game that broke Tampa Bay's winning streak against Philadelphia, the Eagles (4-0) prevailed 31-25 over the Buccaneers (3-1) at Raymond James Stadium, before 65,000 fans who witnessed a Buccaneers comeback that was thwarted by the Eagles' defense and special teams. Jalen Hurts orchestrated an explosive offense with creative plays, including a fake quarterback sneak, while Baker Mayfield led a late rally that wasn't enough to extend Tampa's 4-1 winning streak against the Eagles since 2021.

Game Summary:

First Quarter: The Eagles opened with a 75-yard drive culminating in a 2-yard touchdown run by Saquon Barkley on a fake quarterback sneak (7-0). Tampa responded with a 33-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin (7-3), but Philadelphia extended its lead with a blocked punt returned 35 yards for a touchdown by Sydney Brown (14-3).

Second Quarter: Hurts connected with Dallas Goedert for a 5-yard touchdown pass for his second TD of the game (21-3). Just before halftime, McLaughlin connected on a record-setting 65-yard field goal—the longest in NFL history in an open-air stadium (21-6).

Third Quarter: Tampa cut the deficit with a 1-yard touchdown run by Rachaad White (21-13), but the Eagles responded with a 39-yard field goal by Jake Elliott (24-13).

Fourth Quarter: Mayfield threw a 72-yard touchdown pass to Jalen McMillan (24-20). McLaughlin added a 58-yard field goal (24-23), but Hurts sealed the victory with a 12-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Brown (31-23). Tampa Bay was on the verge of a comeback, but an interception in the end zone by Jihaad Campbell and a final safety by Braden Mann's tackle in the end zone sealed the 31-25 victory for Philadelphia.

Game Keys:

Philadelphia Eagles (4-0): Jalen Hurts completed 20 of 28 passes for 245 yards and two TDs, adding 52 rushing yards. He excelled in clutch situations, including a fake quarterback sneak and key passes to Goedert (two TDs, 78 yards). Saquon Barkley had 112 total yards and a TD, while the special teams shined with Brown's blocked punt. The defense, with Campbell (1 INT) and Moro Ojomo (1 sack), held off Tampa's late rally despite penalties. "We learn by winning," Ojomo said about the struggles during the victory.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1): Baker Mayfield threw for 320 yards, two TDs, and one INT on 28 of 42 attempts, highlighted by a 72-yard TD pass to McMillan. Rachaad White rushed for 68 yards and a TD, but the defense allowed 421 total yards and struggled in the red zone (0-2). McLaughlin was a hero with his record-setting field goals, but turnovers and penalties proved costly. Head Coach Todd Bowles lamented, "We got close, but not close enough."

Key Moment: Barkley's fake quarterback sneak in the first quarter surprised Tampa and opened the scoring, showcasing Nick Sirianni's creative offense. Campbell's interception in the end zone prevented a tie.

NFC East Standings: Philadelphia extends its winning streak to 20 of 21 games (only loss vs. Washington in 2024), leading the NFC East with a +58 point differential.