Jaelan Phillips is making quite the impression on his new Eagles teammates and coaches.
The 26-year-old linebacker was all over the field in his Philadelphia debut Monday night, recording two quarterback hits, six pressures, a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery in a 10-7 victory over the Packers.
As the Eagles head home to face the Lions in Week 10, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio remains in awe of his teamâs newest weapon, who was acquired at the trade deadline from the Dolphins.
âHe plays hard,â Fangio said. âHeâs strong at the point, a good pass rusher. When you shop at Nordstromâs, you get good stuff.â
Fangio Has Familiarity With Eagles New LB
Phillips is no stranger to playing for Fangio. In 2023 with Miami, Phillips recorded 6.5 sacks in eight games before tearing his Achilles. Fangio joined the Eagles the following season and was instrumental in leading the team to a victory in Super Bowl LIX.
Needing help at pass rusher, the Eagles traded a 2026 third-round pick before the Nov. 4 deadline to reunite Phillips with his old coordinator.
Just one game in, it looks like a wise investment. The Eagles held the Packers to 261 total yards and just one scoring drive. Green Bayâs only points came with 5:49 left on a Josh Jacobs 6-yard run.
Philadelphia has won three straight and sits comfortably atop the NFC East at 7-2.
Eagles Address Need for Pass Rushers
Phillips is in the final year of his contract, and because of his lengthy injury history and their difficult start, the Dolphins were apparently hesitant to commit to him long-term.
The fifth-year veteran had 25 tackles, three sacks and one fumble recovery in nine games with Miami this season, the final year of his rookie deal.
The Eagles rank 18th in total defense (327.9 yards allowed per game) but have the fifth-fewest sacks in the NFL with 19.
In addition to trading for Phillips, the Eagles coaxed veteran pass rusher Brandon Graham out of retirement. The 37-year-old Graham, who is third in franchise history in sacks (76.5) and first in games played (277), made his season debut against the Packers in a limited role. He did not record any stats.
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