The Eagles’ showdown this Monday against the Packers feels like it could be season defining. After entering their bye week on a two-game winning streak, Philly added some players to their defense by trade. At 6-2, the Monday night showdown feels like a potential preview of the NFC Championship game. The Packers are young and inconsistent, but they’re an immensely talented team that has a very high ceiling. For the Eagles, winning will be a full-team effort. Here is how some rookies will impact the game.
Is Jihaad Campbell’s role going to keep evolving?
The return of Nakobe Dean has changed Jihaad Campbell’s place on the Eagles defense. After a month of being a steady presence in the middle of Vic Fangio’s unit, Campbell has been playing more as a hybrid edge rusher who can drop into coverage sometimes. Dean being back, along with how thin Philly got along the edges, really necessitated this move.
Now, the Eagles have Jaelan Phillips in the fold, Brandon Graham unretiring, and Nolan Smith should be returning from injury. The Eagles might have less need for Campbell to spend the majority of his time on the line of scrimmage. The only question is where does he end up? Campbell is too good a player to keep off the field, it’s just a matter of how the Eagles want to deploy him now that they’re getting defensive reinforcements.
Which Drew Mukuba will the Eagles get on Monday?
Drew Mukuba has been electric for the defense at times this year and, at times, has been a player for opposing offenses to exploit. His lack of size combined with his aggressiveness can get him into trouble sometimes, but it’s also his aggressiveness that can be such an asset to the defense.
The Packers and Jordan Love like to push the ball down field. Love can make some jaw dropping plays while also making a few plays a game that the defense should be able to capitalize on. Will Mukuba be a playmaker for the Eagles or the Packers on Monday?