The Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) head to Raymond James Stadium to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-0) in a marquee Week 4 clash that’s the NFC’s only matchup between undefeated teams. Both teams fresh off thrilling victories — Philadelphia completing a wild 33-26 comeback win over the Rams, while Tampa Bay survived a 29-27 thriller against the Jets on a last-second field goal. Injuries could tip the scales in this potential playoff preview. Here are five key things to watch:
- Eagles’ Pass Rush Reboot Without Nolan Smith Philadelphia’s edge suffered a massive hit when third-year star Nolan Smith was placed on IR with a reaggravated triceps injury, sidelining him for at least four games; potentially until the Week 9 bye. Jalyx Hunt steps up as the other starter, with Za’Darius Smith, Josh Uche, and depth pieces like Azeez Ojulari and Ogbo Okoronkwo vying for snaps. Tampa’s Baker Mayfield has been lights-out in late-game drives (three game-winning conversions already), so can Philly’s revamped front generate pressure without its postseason sack leader (franchise-record 4.0 in playoffs last year)?
- Mike Evans’ Hamstring Absence and Bucs’ WR Shuffle Tampa Bay’s offense takes a punch without Pro Bowl WR Mike Evans, out nearly a month with a hamstring strain suffered late against the Jets—his third such injury in two years. The Bucs went 0-3 without him last season. Look for Chris Godwin (ankle, but full practice Wednesday) and rookie Emeka Egbuka (hip/groin) to shoulder the load. However, Philly’s secondary will have their work cut out for them amid CB Jakorian Bennett’s IR stint and Adoree Jackson’s status up in the air. Look for recent promotions like CB Parry Nickerson to receive playing time if Jackson can’t go.
- Run Game Trench Warfare: Saquon vs. Tampa’s Front Seven Philadelphia has leaned on the run early this season, using it to set tempo and relieve pressure on the passing game. Tampa, meanwhile, has held opponents to 3.6 yards per carry (sixth-best in the league) and ranks first in defensive rush EPA. The Bucs’ long streak of limiting teams to under 100 rushing yards continues (11 straight games). The Eagles need to sustain drives, punish the edges, and keep Tampa’s rushers honest. But make no mistake — Tampa’s front is rugged. Their defensive line has quietly forced opponents into tough running windows even when down to backups
- Tristan Wirfs’ Return and O-Line Stability Tristan Wirfs is trending toward availability for Week 4 after opening the week as a limited participant in practice. Still, his knee surgery this offseason means his return is tentative, and the Bucs’ line has already lost guard Cody Mauch for the season and right tackle Luke Goedeke to injury. If Wirfs plays, he can anchor the left side. If not, Tampa must rely on makeshift configurations making their line a potential point of vulnerability against Philly’s defense
- Revenge Factor and Undefeated Stakes Tampa has owned recent history, winning the last three meetings including a 32-9 playoff rout in 2023 and 33-16 last season. With both teams eyeing division titles, a loss ends one’s perfect start to the 2025 season