Spadaro: The Eagles Had a December to Remember – Closing Strong on a Three-Game Winning Streak and Primed for a Postseason Run

In his December 31, 2025, article on philadelphiaeagles.com, Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro perfectly captured the sentiment surrounding the defending Super Bowl champions: “The Eagles had a December to remember.” As the calendar flipped to 2026, the Philadelphia Eagles entered Week 18 with an 11-5 record, riding a three-game winning streak, the NFC East title clinched for the second straight year, and a palpable sense of momentum heading into the playoffs. Spadaro emphasized the NFL mantra echoed in every locker room—play your best football at the end of the season—and noted that, despite imperfections, the 2025 Eagles embodied that ideal in a challenging December slate.

The month wasn’t flawless, but it delivered critical wins against tough opponents, showcased resilience in adverse conditions, and positioned the team for a deep postseason push. With a “manufactured bye” likely in Week 18 via resting starters like Jalen Hurts, the focus shifted to health and peaking in January. As Spadaro wrote, the Eagles closed December with confidence, camaraderie, and the tools to make another championship run.

December’s Rollercoaster: From Dominance to Gritty Road Wins

December 2025 featured four games for the Eagles, bookended by statement performances and gritty triumphs that highlighted their championship pedigree.

• Week 15: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (December 14) – 31-0 Shutout Victory The month opened with a commanding display at Lincoln Financial Field. In cold, windy conditions with snow melting on the turf, the Eagles overwhelmed a struggling Raiders team. The offense racked up 387 net yards, converted 10-of-13 third downs, and scored 31 points without a turnover. Dallas Goedert starred with two touchdowns, while the defense posted the team’s first shutout since 2018. Brandon Graham contributed two sacks, and the pass rush notched four total. Spadaro highlighted the balanced attack and line-of-scrimmage dominance as a blueprint for success.
• Week 16: at Washington Commanders (December 20) – 29-18 Win On a Saturday night in Landover, the Eagles clinched the NFC East in front of a sea of green. Trailing 10-7 at halftime, they erupted for 22 straight points in the second half. Jalen Hurts orchestrated efficient drives, Saquon Barkley powered the run game, and the defense stifled Washington late. This victory marked the first repeat NFC East title for any team in the division since the Eagles’ 2001-2004 run. Spadaro noted the comeback mentality and zero giveaways as signs of maturity.
• Week 17: at Buffalo Bills (December 28) – 13-12 Thrilling Road Win In raw, rainy conditions at Highmark Stadium against a Super Bowl-contending Bills team, the Eagles showcased defensive grit. Leading 13-0 at halftime behind Jake Elliott’s field goals and an early touchdown, the offense stalled in the second half (one first down, 17 yards on five possessions). But the defense rose: Jaelan Phillips’ strip-sack recovered by Jihaad Campbell, Jalen Carter’s blocked extra point (proving pivotal), and a final stop on Josh Allen’s two-point attempt with five seconds left. Spadaro called it “the kind of game to win in Week 17″—physical, ugly, on the road against an elite opponent.

The streak turned a potentially shaky finish into momentum. After a mid-season slump (including a three-game losing streak), these wins—two on the road, one divisional clincher, one shutout—restored confidence.

Key Themes from Spadaro’s Reflection: Peaking at the Right Time

Spadaro drew parallels to past Eagles teams:

• The 2017 Super Bowl squad lost early December but rallied.
• The 2024 champions split early but dominated late (one December loss).

For 2025, imperfections persisted—offensive inconsistency, second-half lulls in Buffalo—but the results mattered. The run game improved (183 yards vs. Raiders, second-highest of the season), the pass rush thrived (multiple sacks weekly), and special teams excelled (Elliott reliable in poor conditions, solid coverage).

Young players stepped up: Rookie Jihaad Campbell filled in masterfully for injured Nakobe Dean; Jalyx Hunt continued his sack rise; Cooper DeJean and others contributed on defense.

Offensive Evolution: Finding Rhythm When It Counts

The offense showed flashes of brilliance amid stretches of struggle. In the Raiders game, balance shone: High third-down conversion, no turnovers. Against Washington, third-quarter adjustments sparked the comeback. Barkley’s load management paid off with explosive runs; Hurts’ decision-making improved down the stretch.

Goedert’s versatility (motion, red-zone threats) and receivers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith provided playmaking. Spadaro noted emerging confidence in the ground attack—adjustments like heavy personnel packages and creative designs regained traction.

Defensive Dominance: The Constant Anchor

Under Vic Fangio, the defense carried the team late. Shutout vs. Raiders; comeback allowance vs. Washington contained; heroic stand in Buffalo. Turnovers forced (Phillips’ strip-sack), blocks (Carter’s PAT), and physicality defined December. Veterans like Graham and emerging stars like Carter, Sweat, and Hunt overwhelmed fronts.

Special Teams and Intangibles: Unsung Heroes

Jake Elliott navigated tough kicking weather flawlessly in Buffalo. Coverage units contained explosive returners. Britain Covey’s fair catches and punting flipped fields.

Intangibles—camaraderie, next-man-up mentality—shone. Injuries to Dean, Lane Johnson, Goedert, and Phillips didn’t derail; depth prevailed.

Week 18 Outlook: Rest, Depth, and Playoff Positioning

Entering the finale vs. Washington (likely depleted), the Eagles eyed rest for stars (Hurts, Barkley, Brown, Smith) while backups like Tanner McKee aimed to compete. A win plus help could snag the No. 2 seed, but health trumped all—mirroring successful past approaches.

Spadaro stressed readiness: Healthy, confident, experienced from two recent Super Bowls (one win).

Why This December Matters: Blueprint for a Repeat

December 2025 wasn’t dominant throughout, but it was winning football when needed. Three straight victories over varied opponents (struggling Raiders, divisional rival, contender Bills) built resilience. As defending champs, the Eagles avoided late-season collapse, clinched early, and peaked timely.

Spadaro’s takeaway resonates: Play best at the end. With home playoff game locked, reloaded roster, and proven leadership (Sirianni, Hurts), Philadelphia is primed.

The Faithful remember Decembers past—now this one joins as memorable, setting stage for January magic. Fly Eagles Fly into the postseason; another run feels imminent.