The Philadelphia Eagles’ dream start to the 2025 season hit a sour note in Week 4, and no one felt it more than second-year safety Cooper DeJean. Heading into the matchup against Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, DeJean tied for the team lead in tackles (22) through the first three games and quickly became a cornerstone of Nick Sirianni’s undefeated squad.

But the momentum didn’t last. What began as another chance to extend their perfect record turned into a costly afternoon for DeJean and the Eagles’ defense. Under the NFL’s current rules, a first-time taunting offense carries a fine of $11,593 at 5:04 remaining, and the amount jumps to $17,389 for a second violation. Unfortunately for DeJean, this isn’t his first run-in with the league’s penalty system.

In Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys. Fined for unsportsmanlike conduct. And he’s not alone. Linebacker Nolan Smith received the same fine for taunting in that same game. While defensive tackle Jalen Carter was hit with the identical penalty. For a similar violation against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3.

Another violation is by Jalyx Hunt at 4:27 remaining for unnecessary roughness, described as a blindside block. The amount is $6824. That makes three separate Eagles defenders facing fines for taunting in just four weeks. A concerning pattern for a team trying to maintain its composure during a 4-0 start.

While the Eagles’ defense battles through fines and growing discipline issues, the offense led by Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley continues to bulldoze opponents with trademark efficiency. The “tush push” remains a weekly highlight. A near-unstoppable weapon that’s kept drives alive and defenses frustrated. Behind Hurts’ power and Barkley’s vision, Philadelphia’s ground game has been the backbone of its undefeated start, wearing down opposing fronts with relentless physicality.

But despite the offensive dominance, the defensive side of the ball tells a different story. According to Fox Sports, the Eagles’ defense currently ranks No. 22 overall in the NFL. An unexpectedly low mark for a team with championship ambitions. Through four weeks, they’ve allowed 333.3 total yards per game and eight touchdowns, numbers that suggest cracks beneath the surface of an otherwise perfect record.

Cooper DeJean leads Eagles’ defensive charge

The Philadelphia Eagles enter Week 5 riding high on momentum after a 31-25 win over the Buccaneers, which kept their undefeated season alive at 4-0. Jalen Hurts has been at the center of it all, delivering a balanced mix of efficiency and power. He’s thrown for 609 yards and five touchdowns. On 69.3% passing while adding another 179 yards and four scores on the ground. The chemistry between Hurts and his offensive weapons has been seamless.

Saquon Barkley has emerged as the steady heartbeat of the backfield with 237 rushing yards and three touchdowns, keeping defenses honest.In the passing game, DeVonta Smith leads the team with 17 catches for 158 yards, while Dallas Goedert has carved out a red-zone role with 12 receptions, 114 yards, and three touchdowns. A.J. Brown has also been reliable, posting 14 catches for 151 yards and a score, rounding out an offense that can beat teams in multiple ways.

On the defensive side, Cooper DeJean continues to shine in his sophomore campaign. He leads the team with 31 total tackles, showcasing his growing confidence in the secondary. The defense as a unit has notched five sacks and three interceptions through four games, giving Philadelphia the balance it needs to stay competitive on both ends of the field.

The Eagles have won 12 straight games at Lincoln Financial Field, making home turf a fortress. The Denver Broncos, meanwhile, have lost each of their last seven road games against reigning Super Bowl champions and have failed to cover the spread in six straight contests as underdogs following a home win. For the Eagles, the mission remains simple: keep the unbeaten streak alive.