Smiling Friends season 3 premiere ending explained: Does Silly Samuel finally get respect?

**Smiling Friends Season 3 Premiere “Silly Samuel” Debuts with Absurd yet Profound Storytelling**

The much-anticipated premiere episode of *Smiling Friends* Season 3, titled **“Silly Samuel,”** aired on Sunday, October 5, 2025. True to the show’s signature style, it delivers absurd yet meaningful scenarios that keep fans eagerly tuning in.

At the heart of this episode is a new client, Silly Samuel, who is tired of being laughed at and not taken seriously. Charlie and Pim, the familiar faces fans love, are dispatched to help Samuel with his unusual request. However, their mission proves far more complicated than expected.

**Spoiler Alert:** The following article contains spoilers from *Smiling Friends* Season 3, Episode 1. Reader discretion is advised.

### Silly Samuel’s Struggle for Respect

Throughout the episode, Samuel’s pleas for respect fall on deaf ears. Despite his insistence on being taken seriously, people largely dismiss him as a joke. It’s only after a series of disasters strikes that Samuel gains attention, but even then, it is out of fear — not respect.

Samuel attempts to warn the public about an impending catastrophe, but his clownish appearance and demeanor cause his fears to be ignored. His growing frustration builds as chaos unfolds around him, climaxing with the *Smiling Friends* office building collapsing in a destructive yet darkly comedic fashion. Ironically, it’s this unavoidable disaster that finally forces people to acknowledge Samuel, although reluctantly.

### Samuel’s Journey: From Mockery to Desperation

Silly Samuel is portrayed as a figure constantly ridiculed for both his appearance and behavior. When Charlie and Pim are assigned to help, their first solution is to alter Samuel’s look, hoping it will lead others to take him more seriously.

This plan is quickly abandoned when a doctor warns them that changing Samuel’s appearance could be fatal. Undeterred, Samuel’s frustration only deepens, as he realizes that society judges him superficially and treats him differently based on how he looks.

### The Farcical Building Inspection: A Side Story

Parallel to Samuel’s storyline is a comedic subplot featuring an overzealous building inspector examining the *Smiling Friends* office. The inspector focuses obsessively on insignificant details, frustrating Mr. Boss and Allan, who struggle to get through the inspection.

One of these “minor” details turns out to have major consequences — a cord that literally holds the office together. While no one else heeds the inspector’s nitpicking, his attention to detail sets the stage for the episode’s chaotic finale. When the building finally collapses, the inspector is caught in the rubble and humorously turns into sand.

### The Unheeded Warning

In the episode’s climactic moments, Samuel finally manages to warn a crowd gathered in a park about the looming disaster. Predictably, his warnings are met with laughter and mockery as onlookers assume he’s playing another joke. However, once the office building begins to topple toward the crowd, the situation becomes too urgent to ignore.

The episode ends amid pandemonium, with people scrambling to escape and suffering injuries — a chaotic and unsettling scene wrapped in *Smiling Friends*’ signature dark humor.

### Where to Watch

*Smiling Friends* Season 3, Episode 1 is currently available to watch on **Adult Swim**, with next-day streaming access on **Max**.

### Related Reads

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– [Adult Swim Announces New Programming Block for Classic Cartoon Network Titles](#)
– [7 Easter Eggs You Probably Didn’t Notice in Rick and Morty](#)
– [Why There Won’t Be a Common Side Effects Episode 11? Explained](#)

*Silly Samuel* sets a compelling tone for *Smiling Friends* Season 3, blending its trademark absurdity with poignant social commentary on respect and recognition. Fans can expect more unpredictable twists as the season progresses.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/shows/smiling-friends-season-3-premiere-ending-explained-does-silly-samuel-finally-get-respect

Solo Sikoa to introduce WWE megastar as the missing part of MFT? Exploring the possibility

Solo Sikoa Could Completely Shift the Dynamic of WWE SmackDown Soon

After losing the United States Championship to Sami Zayn on the August 29 episode of SmackDown, Solo Sikoa, known as The Street Champion, has been regrouping with his MFTs (Maximum Family Ties) in a series of cryptic vignettes. Over the past three weeks, Sikoa has reintroduced Tonga Loa, JC Mateo, and Talla Tonga to the WWE Universe. The 32-year-old thanked them for their loyalty and acknowledged their contributions to the faction.

However, last week, Sikoa hinted that something is missing from his family. He claimed that once he has that missing part, everyone will be on notice. This mysterious reference has sparked significant speculation among fans and insiders alike.

### Could The Rock Be the Missing Piece?

One shocking possibility is that the missing piece Solo mentioned could be none other than The Rock. Last year, on October 5, The Rock made a memorable return to WWE following the main event of Bad Blood 2024. In that match, Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns defeated Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu in a tag team bout. After the match, The Brahma Bull walked out and stared down everyone in the ring from the stage.

Although many fans criticized this moment for lacking any immediate payoff, recent developments suggest it could finally lead to something significant. During The Rock’s return, Solo Sikoa was shown in the crowd, hinting that it was all part of some larger plan. Now, over a year later, Solo — known as The Final Boss — could be revealed as the ultimate mastermind behind the MFT.

Sikoa’s faction has struggled to live up to expectations and is in desperate need of revitalization. Introducing The Rock as the leader would instantly raise the group’s profile and “put everyone on notice,” as Solo himself claimed. While many fans expect Tama Tonga to be revealed as the missing piece of the MFT, WWE’s creative team might surprise everyone with a swerve by bringing The Great One into the mix.

That said, this remains purely speculative at this point.

### Former WWE Writer Criticizes Solo Sikoa’s Video Packages on SmackDown

As mentioned earlier, Solo Sikoa has been building momentum for his stable through video packages on SmackDown over the past few weeks. In one segment, The Street Champion urged Talla Tonga to “unleash the monster inside” and destroy anyone who stands in the MFT’s path.

Despite the hype, former WWE writer Vince Russo has expressed criticism of these vignettes. Speaking on last week’s episode of Sportskeeda WrestleBinge’s “BroDown” hosted by Mac Davis, Russo argued that the creative team is booking the faction backward.

He stated,
“It’s comical to me that now we’re doing Solo Sikoa and his whole group — and now we’re doing vignettes on these guys, and now introducing these guys — how many months after the fact? Isn’t that the first thing you’re supposed to do? Shouldn’t we have had Solo introduce these guys one by one before we saw them as a group? That right there just tells you they have no clue what they’re doing. You don’t give these guys introductions after you’ve seen them on television for six months. That doesn’t make any sense.”

### Looking Ahead

Despite the criticisms, it will be intriguing to see what the future holds for Solo Sikoa and his villainous stable on WWE SmackDown. Whether or not The Rock becomes involved, the MFT is clearly heading toward a pivotal moment that could reshape the blue brand’s landscape.

Stay tuned for further updates as this storyline develops.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/solo-sikoa-introduce-wwe-megastar-missing-part-mft-exploring-possibility

Aぇ! Group’s Kusama Released From Custody After Public Indecency Arrest

When asked by reporters for a message to fans, Kusama once again bowed, tears in his eyes, saying, “I am truly sorry.”

Kusama, 29, was arrested early in the morning on October 4th on suspicion of public indecency after allegedly exposing his lower body near the entrance of a building in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward. A witness reported the incident to the police, and officers who arrived at the scene took him into custody. It is believed that he was intoxicated at the time.

The incident occurred about a year and a half after A! Group made their CD debut, during a period when Kusama had been active as both a singer and actor. His management company released a statement on October 4th saying, “We take this matter very seriously given its social impact and have decided to suspend Kusama’s activities.”

Two days after the arrest that shocked fans nationwide, police transferred Kusama to the prosecutors’ office on the morning of October 6th. As prosecutors did not file a request for detention, he was released the same afternoon. Authorities stated that investigations will continue while Kusama remains under non-custodial status.

Previously: A! Group Member Arrested for Indecent Exposure in Tokyo.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147171.php

Rishabh Pant set for Ranji Trophy return in late October

**Rishabh Pant Set for Ranji Trophy Return in Late October**

*By Rajdeep Saha | October 6, 2025, 6:59 PM*

Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant is on the verge of making a comeback to competitive cricket through the Ranji Trophy. According to The Times of India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to evaluate his recovery status this week, with a potential clearance expected by October 10. If approved, Pant could be back playing for Delhi starting October 25.

**Assessment and Clearance**

A BCCI source revealed, “As of now, there is a likelihood he could be cleared by October 10. An assessment is due this week. It has been a long recovery for him. The BCCI medical team doesn’t want to take any chances.” Pant’s return will be contingent upon his fitness level and official approval from the BCCI.

**Recovery Progress and Injury Details**

Pant has been sidelined since July due to a fractured foot sustained during the fourth Test against England. Initially, the injury was expected to heal within six weeks; however, complications arose when the metatarsal bone in his right foot broke again under pressure as he attempted to bat the very next day after the injury.

Despite these setbacks, Pant has made significant strides in his recovery over the past 20 days, giving hope for his return to the field soon.

**Impact on Matches and Upcoming Schedule**

Pant has missed the ongoing two-Test series against the West Indies as well as the forthcoming white-ball tour of Australia. Nevertheless, depending on the clearance from the Center of Excellence (CoE) and his preparedness, he could participate in two Ranji Trophy matches before November 5.

This potential return is particularly important as India prepares for a home Test series against South Africa starting November 14.

**Pant’s Performance Against England**

In the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, Pant delivered an impressive performance across four Test matches. In seven innings, he amassed 479 runs at an average of 68.42, including two centuries and three half-centuries. Additionally, he showcased his aggressive batting by hitting 17 sixes throughout the series.

Pant’s imminent return is eagerly awaited by fans and selectors alike, as he remains a key player for Indian cricket’s future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/rishabh-pant-could-make-return-to-cricket-soon-details-here/story

KJo reveals how Dharma changed after Poonawalla acquisition

**Karan Johar Sells 50% Stake in Dharma Productions to Adar Poonawalla for ₹1,000 Crore**

*By Shreya Mukherjee | Oct 06, 2025, 05:17 PM*

Filmmaker Karan Johar recently sold a 50% stake in his production company, Dharma Productions, to billionaire Adar Poonawalla for ₹1,000 crore. The deal was made through Poonawalla’s company, Serene Productions, giving him equal ownership of the studio.

In a recent interview with Komal Nahta on the YouTube channel *Game Changers*, Johar opened up about this decision and its implications for his future projects.

### Expansion Plans: Funding Issues Led to the Decision

Johar revealed that many of his unfulfilled dreams were due to funding constraints. “I was very clear that I am okay to sell 50% of my company or to sell equity, only because I want to expand,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of having the right partner for expansion — a role he found in Poonawalla.

### Personal Ties: Friendship with Poonawalla Played a Crucial Role

The filmmaker shared that his close friendship with Adar Poonawalla and his wife, Natasha, was a key factor in the deal. “Adar and Natasha have been my close friends, very dear to me,” Johar stated.

Although he initially hesitated when Poonawalla expressed interest in investing, feeling that it wasn’t his area, Johar soon realized they shared the same vision for growth.

### Management Praise: Applauding Apoorva Mehta’s Leadership

Johar also lauded Apoorva Mehta, the Executive Chairman and CEO of Dharma Productions, for expertly managing the business side of the company.

“Apoorva is the most correct human. Our accounts are perfect down to the last rupee,” Johar said. He added that Mehta runs Dharma like a well-oiled machine and has been instrumental to the company’s success.

### New Focus: Accountability and Profitability

“The deal has forced me to think about profitability,” Johar admitted. “There was never accountability before this, I just learned the term quarter.”

He shared that Mehta often keeps him in check by reminding him not to pursue projects that aren’t financially viable. Despite this shift towards profitability, Johar emphasized that his commitment to artistic integrity and creating films for creative satisfaction remains unchanged.

### Future Plans: Uncertainty Looms

Regarding his upcoming projects, Johar expressed uncertainty, especially after the critical acclaim of *Homebound*. “I made *Homebound*, worldwide critically acclaimed, but I can’t say if I’ll take such decisions in the future or not,” he revealed.

As Johar embarks on this new chapter with a strong partner by his side, industry watchers eagerly await the exciting developments at Dharma Productions.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/kjo-describes-changes-after-adar-poonawalla-takeover/story

Aahana Kumra receives death, rape threats from Pawan Singh fans

**Aahana Kumra Receives Death and Rape Threats from Pawan Singh Fans**

*By Shreya Mukherjee | October 6, 2025, 11:18 AM*

Actor Aahana Kumra, recently evicted from the reality show *Rise And Fall*, has opened up about receiving severe death and rape threats from fans of fellow contestant Pawan Singh. Despite publicly reconciling with Singh on stage, the online harassment persisted, prompting Kumra to report the incidents to the show’s makers.

**Harsh Threats and Online Abuse**

Speaking to Bollywood Bubble, Kumra revealed the extent of the abuse she faced. “I came out of the show and got a lot of death and rape threats,” she said. She also shared that she had forwarded screenshots of these threats to the show’s producers.

Kumra expressed her confusion over the hostility, stating, “So why was I getting such threats? Maine toh aisi koi baat nahi kahi thi (I didn’t say any such thing).” She made it clear that she neither used abusive language nor behaved offensively during the show.

**Shocked by the Intensity of the Threats**

Reflecting on the experience, Kumra said, “I was like, oh wow, hum log kaunse zamane mein reh rahe hain? (What era are we living in?) Kis sadi me hai ki meri ek baat kehney par mujhe itney threats mil rahe hai – par kisi aur ko kuch nahi kaha ja raha (Which century is this where I’m getting so many threats just for saying one thing, while no one else is getting targeted).”

**Resolution and Reconciliation**

Despite the initial backlash, Kumra shared that the issue was resolved on stage. She said, “In fact, today I hold him in high regard, kyunki bahut contestants ne mere baare mein bahut kuch kaha aur aaj tak sorry nahi bola (because many contestants said a lot about me and haven’t apologized to this day).”

She recalled a heartfelt moment when she touched Pawan Singh’s mother’s feet as a gesture of respect, which Singh acknowledged openly during the show.

**Understanding Fan Reactions but Seeking Respect**

Kumra acknowledged that fans can get emotional. “I understand ki log gussa ho jaate hain, aur unhe lagta hai ki maine kuch aisa keh diya jo unhe bura laga (I understand that people get angry, and they feel that I said something that hurt them).” However, she hoped that fans would respect the reconciliation between her and Singh.

**About Aahana Kumra**

Outside the realm of reality TV, Aahana Kumra was last seen in the film *Salaam Venky*, starring Kajol and Vishal Jethwa, which released in December 2022.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/aahana-kumra-reports-threats-from-pawan-singh-s-fans/story

Tee Higgins’ mom throws shade at Jake Browning with cryptic 3-word message as Bengals QB throws 3 INTs in loss to Lions

The Cincinnati Bengals delivered a lackluster performance against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, with quarterback Jake Browning throwing three interceptions—two in the second quarter and one in the third—while managing three touchdowns in a 24-37 defeat. The outcome left at least one person notably displeased.

During the game, Camilla Stewart, mother of Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, sent a scathing message: “Quarterback me please” accompanied by two sadly sighing emojis.

All but one of Browning’s interceptions resulted in Lions touchdowns. Notably, Detroit running back David Montgomery even threw a touchdown pass to backup tight end Brock Wright on a trick play, further frustrating the Bengals.

Between plays, analyst Daryl Johnston expressed concern, saying, “This offense has got to stop being a hindrance to this team! This offense isn’t even close to where it is with Joe Burrow at quarterback.” Play-by-play commentator Kevin Kugler added, “Without Joe Burrow there, that deep ball is absent. There’s no vertical passing game at all.”

After the third quarter, Johnston continued to question the quarterback’s performance: “The recklessness we saw in Weeks 3 and 4…it has come back again here this afternoon.”

On the bright side, all of the Bengals’ touchdowns came in the fourth quarter. Tee Higgins caught one, while Ja’Marr Chase was responsible for the other two scores.

**Bengals Urged to Trade for Veteran Quarterback After Week 5 Loss**

With Joe Burrow sidelined for the foreseeable future and Jake Browning struggling over three games, many believe Cincinnati’s coaching staff, led by Zac Taylor and General Manager Duke Tobin, should explore trade options for a veteran quarterback such as Kirk Cousins, Joe Flacco, or Russell Wilson.

So far, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bengals have yet to initiate any trade talks, maintaining confidence that Browning will regain the form that helped the team finish 9-8 the last time their franchise faced a significant injury to Burrow.

However, USA Today’s Chris Roling urges the Bengals to act quickly: “This needed to happen a week ago. Browning looks lost and is probably suffering from the fact that defenses aren’t caught off guard by his lack of film now. The price on a quarterback trade is going up the more obviously desperate the Bengals get, but they need to acquire a Russell Wilson-caliber veteran and field a watchable team.”

The Bengals’ next game is against the Green Bay Packers. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-tee-higgins-mom-throws-shade-jake-browning-cryptic-3-word-message-bengals-qb-throws-3-ints-loss-lions

Eagles’ offensive woes continue as Broncos hand Super Bowl champs their first loss

A.J. Brown skipped the cryptic social media post and went straight to the hard truth about the state of the punchless Eagles offense. “The inconsistency showed up again,” Brown said.

The Super Bowl champion Eagles got off to a 4-0 start, even with an offense largely missing the blockbuster plays (well, outside of special teams) and breathtaking runs that defined the team a year ago. Under first-year coordinator Kevin Patullo, every key Eagles offensive player has seen a significant dip in production from last season.

Perhaps spurred by Brown’s social media measures and a general malaise from the fan base, the Eagles picked up the pace a bit in the first half Sunday against Denver. They scored 17 points—which seemed like a 30-point effort in 2024—and stretched the lead to 17-3 headed into the fourth quarter.

The play-calling seemed easy to seal another win: let Saquon Barkley finally get some carries to stretch the field and burn the clock; let Jalen Hurts continue to hit Brown and DeVonta Smith for drive-extending receptions. None of it happened.

Bo Nix and the Broncos instead found their groove and scored 18 points in the quarter to rally to a 21-17 win, handing the Eagles their first loss in 11 games.

As Brown noted, the Eagles were inconsistent—if not downright bland—offensively over the first four games under Patullo. That sparked some hand-wringing from 1,000-yard receivers Brown and Smith. Brown even wrote a cryptic social media post after last week’s win in Tampa Bay that seemed to hint at some unhappiness before clarifying all was good with him in Philly.

Brown and Smith combined for just four catches and 34 yards last week. They blew past those totals in the first half alone against the Broncos and both were pivotal players in one of their finest drives of the season.

With the game tied 3-all, Hurts hit Smith on a 52-yard reception to the Denver 26—the longest pass play of the season for the Eagles. Hurts targeted Brown on the very next play, and the wideout drew a pass interference call that put the ball on the 2-yard line.

That extra yard made the difference between a “tush push” and a run-pass option, and Hurts had enough time to connect with tight end Dallas Goedert for the touchdown. Goedert has caught a touchdown pass in three straight games.

Hurts found another forgotten member of a once-explosive offensive unit in the third quarter when he hit a wide-open Barkley on a wheel route for a 47-yard touchdown pass and a 17-3 lead, much to the delight of cheering actor and Eagles fan Bradley Cooper.

That spark was snuffed out in a hurry in the fourth quarter.

The misplay of the game came in the third quarter when the Eagles still led 17-3. Hurts appeared to overthrow an open Brown on what could have been a 61-yard touchdown.

“I have to really watch the film to be able to assess that,” Hurts said. “Obviously that’s the one that you want to hit in a big moment in the game.”

Another critical play came late in the fourth quarter when the Eagles had a fourth-down conversion called back due to an illegal shift penalty whistled against Barkley. The Eagles were instead forced to punt.

Hurts finished with 280 passing yards. Smith had eight catches for 114 yards, and Brown’s complaints only netted him five catches for 43 yards.

“I won’t say the word ‘out of balance.’ I just think we’re searching for improvement, and so given what type of team we’re built to be, we have to be able to establish the run in some regard, and that could look different,” Hurts said. “It may not be what it’s been, but ultimately being able to lean on the run game is important.”

Oh yeah, the run game.

The Eagles seemed to forget they have Barkley in the backfield. The 2,005-yard rusher from a season ago was held to just 30 yards on only six — six! — carries. He has a paltry 267 rushing yards through five games.

Why did the Eagles abandon the run?

“I’m not really going to get too caught up in that,” Barkley said. “At the end of the day, whether we ran the ball enough or not, we had an opportunity to win a football game. We didn’t.”
https://www.phillytrib.com/sports/eagles-offensive-woes-continue-as-broncos-hand-super-bowl-champs-their-first-loss/article_dc64ca18-f3dc-4e22-bec8-acc1bc53ffe8.html

Tee Higgins’ mom throws shade at Jake Browning with cryptic 3-word message as Bengals QB throws 3 INTs in loss to Lions

The Cincinnati Bengals had a mediocre performance against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, as quarterback Jake Browning threw three interceptions—two in the second quarter and one in the third—against three touchdowns in a 24-37 defeat. At least one person was not happy with the showing. During the game, Camilla Stewart, mother of wide receiver Tee Higgins, sent this scathing message on social media: “Quarterback me please” followed by two sadly sighing emojis.

All but one of the interceptions turned into touchdowns for the Lions, with running back David Montgomery even throwing one to backup tight end Brock Wright on a trick play. The Bengals’ defense struggled to keep the Lions’ offense in check throughout the game.

In between plays, analyst Daryl Johnston commented, “This offense has got to stop being a hindrance to this team! This offense isn’t even close to where it is with Joe Burrow at quarterback.” Play-by-play announcer Kevin Kugler added, “Without Joe Burrow there, that deep ball is absent. There’s no vertical passing game at all.”

After the third interception, Johnston voiced his concerns about the quarterback’s approach: “The recklessness from Weeks 3 and 4… it has come back again here this afternoon.”

Despite the struggles earlier in the game, all of the Bengals’ touchdowns occurred in the fourth quarter. Tee Higgins caught one of them, while Ja’Marr Chase was responsible for the other two scores.

### Bengals Urged to Trade for Quarterback After Week 5 Loss to Lions

With Joe Burrow out for the foreseeable future and Jake Browning performing poorly in three games, speculation is mounting that head coach Zac Taylor and general manager Duke Tobin should start entering trade talks to acquire a veteran quarterback, such as Kirk Cousins, Joe Flacco, or Russell Wilson.

So far, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bengals have not begun any trade discussions, remaining confident that their backup quarterback will regain the form that helped the team finish 9-8 the last time their franchise faced a serious injury at the quarterback position.

However, in his instant analysis, USA Today’s Chris Roling urges the Bengals to act quickly: “This needed to happen a week ago. Browning looks lost and is probably suffering from the fact that defenses aren’t caught off guard by his lack of film now. The price on a quarterback trade is going up the more obviously desperate the Bengals get, but they need to acquire a Russell Wilson-caliber veteran and field a watchable team.”

The Bengals’ next game is on the road against the Green Bay Packers. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-tee-higgins-mom-throws-shade-jake-browning-cryptic-3-word-message-bengals-qb-throws-3-ints-loss-lions

Eagles’ offensive woes continue as Broncos hand Super Bowl champs their first loss

A.J. Brown skipped the cryptic social media post and went straight to the hard truth about the state of the punchless Eagles offense. “The inconsistency showed up again,” Brown said.

The Super Bowl champion Eagles got off to a 4-0 start even with an offense largely missing the blockbuster plays (well, outside of special teams) and breathtaking runs that defined the team a year ago. Under first-year coordinator Kevin Patullo, every key Eagles offensive player has seen a significant dip in production from last season.

Perhaps spurred by Brown’s social media measures and a general malaise from the fan base, the Eagles picked up the pace a bit in the first half Sunday against Denver. They scored 17 points — which seemed like a 2024 30 — in the half and stretched the lead to 17-3 headed into the fourth.

The play calling seemed easy to seal another win. Let Saquon Barkley finally get some carries to stretch the field and burn the clock. Let Jalen Hurts continue to hit Brown and DeVonta Smith for drive-extending receptions.

None of it happened.

Bo Nix and the Broncos instead found their groove and scored 18 points in the quarter to rally to a 21-17 win, sending the Eagles to their first loss in 11 games.

As Brown noted, the Eagles were inconsistent — if not downright bland — offensively over the first four games under Patullo. That sparked some hand-wringing from 1,000-yard receivers Brown and Smith.

Brown even wrote a cryptic social media post after last week’s win in Tampa Bay that seemed to hint at some unhappiness before clarifying all was good with him in Philly.

Brown and Smith combined for four catches for 34 yards last week. They blew past those totals in the first half alone against the Broncos and both were pivotal players in one of their finest drives of the season.

With the game tied 3-all, Hurts hit Smith on a 52-yard reception to the Denver 26 — the longest pass play of the season for the Eagles. Hurts targeted Brown on the next play, and the wideout drew a pass interference call that put the ball on the 2-yard line. That extra yard was the difference in a tush push vs. a run-pass option, and Hurts had enough time to connect with tight end Dallas Goedert for the touchdown.

Goedert has caught a touchdown pass in three straight games.

Hurts found another forgotten member of a once-explosive offensive unit in the third quarter when he hit a wide-open Barkley on a wheel route for a 47-yard touchdown pass and a 17-3 lead, much to the delight of cheering actor and Eagles fan Bradley Cooper.

That spark was snuffed out in a hurry in the fourth.

The misplay of the game came in the third when the Eagles still led 17-3 and Hurts appeared to overthrow an open Brown on what could have been a 61-yard touchdown.

“I have to really watch the film to be able to assess that,” Hurts said. “Obviously that’s the one that you want to hit in a big moment in the game.”

The other critical play came in the fourth when the Eagles had a late fourth-down conversion called back on an illegal shift penalty whistled against Barkley. The Eagles were instead forced to punt.

Hurts did throw for 280 yards. Smith had eight catches for 114 yards receiving, and Brown’s complaints only netted him five catches for 43 yards.

“I won’t say the word out of balance. I just think we’re searching for improvement and so given what type of team we’re built to be, we have to be able to establish the run in some regard and that could look different,” Hurts said. “It may not be what it’s been, but ultimately being able to lean on the run game is important.”

Oh yeah, the run game.

The Eagles seemed to forget they have Barkley in the backfield. The 2,005-yard rusher from a season ago was held to just 30 yards on only six — six! — carries. He has a paltry 267 yards rushing through five games.

Why did the Eagles abandon the run?

“I’m not really going to get too caught up in that,” Barkley said. “At the end of the day, whether we ran the ball enough or not, we had an opportunity to win a football game. We didn’t.”
https://www.phillytrib.com/sports/eagles-offensive-woes-continue-as-broncos-hand-super-bowl-champs-their-first-loss/article_dc64ca18-f3dc-4e22-bec8-acc1bc53ffe8.html

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