We’ve reached the point of the NFL calendar when the true contenders begin to separate from the pack. In Week 10, one of the biggest movers was the Philadelphia Eagles — and Vic Fangio’s defense in particular.
The Eagles grinded out a 10-7 win over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in a game that felt better suited for mid-January. The offense did just enough against Micah Parsons and company, but it was their defense that rose up to 2024 championship levels.
Trade deadline acquisition Jaelan Phillips was a game-wrecker. Jalen Carter was his usual disruptive self. Nakobe Dean, now clearly operating at full speed following knee surgery just 11 months ago, was arguably the best player on the field.
It all adds up to a net positive for Philly, which will be a major problem in the NFC playoffs once again if its defense continues to improve at its current trajectory.
One lingering concern remains, however, and it's becoming impossible for Eagles fans to ignore it entering the season's stretch run.
Philadelphia Eagles rookie Jihaad Campbell is suddenly trending in the wrong direction entering the season’s stretch run
Campbell took the NFL world by storm at the start of the season, looking like a major Howie Roseman steal at pick No. 31 overall of the 2025 draft.
The 235-pound linebacker suddenly looks like a man without a plan in Fangio’s defense.
With Dean fully back and commanding the lion’s share of the reps at middle linebacker, Campbell has been mixing in more on the edge. It hasn’t gone well for the versatile rookie, and the Packers game might prove to be the tipping point.
Per Pro Football Focus, Campbell logged 10 snaps up on the edge of the line of scrimmage, compared to 22 in the box as more of a traditional inside linebacker on Monday night. He posted a blank sheet as a pass rusher, and gave up the edge on multiple plays to Packers’ tight ends and wide receivers.
That’s hardly a knock on Campbell, whose skillset (and experience) translates perfectly to off-ball linebacker. He’s taking one for the team, so to speak, as the Eagles need help on the edge, and Campbell’s been too valuable to the defense to stand on the sideline.
The reason for Campbell’s downward trend is now painfully obvious. In the three games since Dean returned to the lineup, he’s recorded just 13 total tackles, which is well off his early-season pace.
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Campbell’s time could be coming in the future, as Dean is currently in a contract year and looks like a man who’s about to get paid in 2026 free agency. In the meantime, Fangio’s defense is starting to put it all together at the perfect time, and Campbell now appears poised for a more complimentary role.