The Philadelphia Eagles delivered a historic shutout against the Las Vegas Raiders, a 31‑0 victory that left the Raiders scrambling for only 75 net yards in total. The defensive unit kept the Raiders under 100 yards, a target the coaching staff had set before the game began. This performance marked the Eagles’ first shutout since a 24‑0 win over the Washington Commanders on December 30, 2018. The game also represented the largest margin of victory in a shutout for Philadelphia since a 31‑0 win over the Green Bay Packers on December 16, 1990.
The defense’s dominance was evident in the yardage allowed: 75 total net yards, averaging just 1.8 yards per play across the 60‑minute contest. Those 75 yards are the fewest allowed by any NFL team this season and the fewest since Cleveland surrendered 58 yards to the Cardinals on November 11, 2023. The Raiders’ offense, already considered one of the worst in the league, struggled even with a backup quarterback in Kenny Pickett on the sidelines. Philadelphia’s defense, however, managed to smother the run and stifle the Raiders’ receivers and tight ends in coverage.
Cooper DeJean, the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, reflected on the game’s focus, saying, \”We knew we had the shutout working but I think it was more trying to hold them under 100 yards,\” and added, \”I think this is what we were talking about on the sideline. And we did that.\” DeJean also credited veteran safety Marcus Epps for initiating the conversation about limiting the Raiders to under 100 yards. The plan, according to DeJean, was executed flawlessly by the entire defensive unit. The result was a clean sheet that few teams achieve in the NFL.
Linebacker Zack Baun expressed his disbelief at the defensive performance, stating, \”That’s crazy,\” and noting, \”I haven’t done something like that since college but that’s really cool. That’s credit to our offense too, putting us in good situations.\” Baun’s comments underscored the synergy between the Eagles’ offense and defense. The offensive unit’s ability to control the clock and field position helped keep the Raiders on the sidelines. Together, both units built a foundation for the shutout.
Linebacker Nakobe Dean, known for his statistical awareness, remarked, \”Because I take pride in being a good defense,\” and added, \”I take pride in whatever defense I’m on being one of the best in the league.\” Dean’s observation highlighted the team’s commitment to defensive excellence. He emphasized that the defense’s focus was a result of continuous preparation and execution. The Eagles’ defensive cohesion was evident throughout the game.
Brandon Graham, a defensive tackle, described the game’s intensity, saying, \”It feels great,\” and continued, \”We know how hard it is to get a shutout in this league. This league is a good league, man, and every team can beat you at any time. Everybody just went out and focused. Even when we was in the game, nobody let up on nothing. We was just going to be stingy with everything. The No. 1 thing was stop (Ashton) Jeanty, make sure that we got after him. Whenever we could get a drop back, I felt like everybody showed up and did it.\” Graham’s remarks reflected the team’s relentless effort to control the game.
Defensive back Jaelan Phillips praised the team’s execution, stating, \”It’s huge,\” and added, \”It’s a pride thing at that point. It’s pretty rare to shut out a team in the NFL. For us to be able to do that today, I thought we executed great.\” Phillips highlighted the rarity of shutouts in the modern NFL. His comments emphasized the defensive unit’s high level of play. The Eagles’ performance was a testament to their preparation and focus.
The shutout also had historical significance for the franchise. It was Philadelphia’s first shutout since December 30, 2018, when they defeated the Commanders 24‑0. The 31‑0 margin was the largest shutout victory for the Eagles since December 16, 1990, when they beat the Packers 31‑0. These milestones underscore the rarity of such a defensive achievement in the team’s recent history. The game added a new chapter to the Eagles’ defensive legacy.
From a league perspective, the Raiders’ 75 yards remain the fewest yards allowed by any NFL team this season. The last time an NFL team allowed fewer yards was when Cleveland surrendered 58 yards to the Cardinals on November 11, 2023. The Eagles’ defense, therefore, set a new season low for yardage allowed. This achievement highlights the defensive unit’s exceptional performance against a struggling Raiders offense.
Historically, the 75 yards allowed by Philadelphia is the fewest the Eagles have given up in a game since they surrendered 49 yards to the Chicago Cardinals on December 4, 1955. The 1955 game was a low point for the Eagles’ defense, making this modern performance even more remarkable. The comparison illustrates the dramatic improvement of the Eagles’ defensive unit over the decades. It also emphasizes how rare it is for the team to limit an opponent to such a low yardage total.
Game flow was dominated by the Eagles’ defense from the opening kickoff. The defense held the Raiders to a 17‑0 lead at halftime, and the margin grew to 24‑0 late in the fourth quarter. Despite the lopsided score, the defense maintained intensity, preventing any garbage‑time yardage or points. The Eagles’ defensive effort remained relentless for the full 60 minutes of the game.
Philadelphia’s defensive line produced four sacks in the contest, with Brandon Graham recording two, while Nolan Smith and Moro Ojomo each added one. The sacks were part of a broader strategy to pressure backup quarterback Kenny Pickett, stifling his ability to make plays. In addition to the sacks, the defense applied consistent pressure throughout the game. This pressure contributed to the overall dominance over the Raiders’ offense.
The Eagles’ defensive scheme effectively stuffed the run, forcing the Raiders to rely on short, predictable passes. The coverage on receivers and tight ends was tight, limiting yardage gains on the passing game. The defense’s ability to maintain gaps and discipline in coverage was a key factor in limiting the Raiders to 75 yards. The unit’s execution across all phases of defense showcased its comprehensive strength.
Throughout the game, players highlighted the importance of focus and discipline. Cooper DeJean emphasized the pre‑game goal of holding the Raiders under 100 yards. Brandon Graham described the team’s relentless focus, noting that they were ‘stingy with everything.’ Jaelan Phillips praised the execution, calling it ‘huge’ and ‘a pride thing.’ These comments reflect a shared commitment to defensive excellence.
Linebacker Nakobe Dean reflected on the team’s recent struggles, stating, \”Well, we lost the last three games,\” and added, \”We lost in Dallas when we was up a couple touchdowns and then we lost the last two games. I don’t think it was hard at all for us to keep our foot on the gas.\” Dean’s remarks highlight the defensive unit’s resilience after a losing streak. He emphasized the importance of maintaining intensity throughout the season. The Eagles’ defense remained poised despite previous setbacks.
The 31‑0 shutout showcases the Eagles’ defensive prowess and the effectiveness of their game plan. The unit’s ability to limit yardage, pressure the quarterback, and maintain discipline throughout the game set a new standard for the franchise. This performance demonstrates that Philadelphia’s defense can dominate even against a struggling Raiders offense. The game will be remembered as a milestone in the team’s defensive history.
Key Takeaways
- The Eagles’ defense limited the Raiders to 75 net yards, the fewest allowed this season.
- Four sacks, with Graham recording two, applied constant pressure on the backup quarterback.
- This shutout is the first for Philadelphia since 2018 and the largest margin since 1990.
The Eagles’ defensive dominance on Sunday reaffirms their status as one of the league’s elite units. By holding the Raiders to a season‑low yardage total and securing a shutout, the team set a new benchmark for defensive performance. This game will serve as a reminder of the Eagles’ ability to execute a flawless defense against any opponent.
