Philadelphia was in position to earn a wild-card berth with a 6–5 record by late November, but a four-game losing streak, which included a home loss to the Minnesota Vikings in which the Eagles squandered a 23–0 fourth-quarter lead, foiled their playoff hopes.

That losing streak also cost head coach Marion Campbell his job before the season finale at Minnesota.

Two bright spots emerged at the quarterback position as Ron Jaworski returned from the broken leg suffered at the end of the 1984 season, and performed well enough (3,450 passing yards, 17 touchdowns) to be considered for comeback player of the year, though no award was given out.

In addition, second-round draft pick Randall Cunningham earned his first career victory at RFK Stadium on September 22 at Washington.

On November 10, at Veterans Stadium, Jaworski combined with wide receiver Mike Quick for a club-record 99-yard touchdown pass in overtime to beat the Atlanta Falcons, 23–17.