A Breakout Performance in Green Bay
Jaelan Phillips wasted no time proving his value to the Philadelphia Eagles. In his first game since being traded from the Miami Dolphins, the 25-year-old outside linebacker played a decisive role in the Eagles’ gritty 10-7 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Monday night at Lambeau Field.
Phillips led all edge rushers with 52 snaps, finishing with seven quarterback pressures, six tackles, two hits on Jordan Love, and a fumble recovery. His biggest moment came in the final minutes — a fourth-and-1 stop that triggered a Josh Jacobs fumble, effectively sealing the win.
“This whole week, we’ve been telling him we trust him,” said defensive tackle Jalen Carter. “When we get out there, we’re all as one. He came out, showed out. He got the fumble, got some pressures, and had a hell of a game.”
The Eagles acquired Phillips from Miami just before the trade deadline, sending a third-round pick in exchange. For Phillips, the move was transformative. “It’s literally the greatest thing that has happened to me in my whole life,” he said after the game. “Walking out of that tunnel in Lambeau, I got emotional. There’s just an air of confidence here — everybody played together.”
Defense Dominates in a Low-Scoring Battle
The Eagles’ defense turned in one of its best performances of the season, holding Green Bay scoreless for the first three quarters and limiting Love to 176 passing yards on 20-of-36 completions. The defense produced three sacks, eight quarterback hits, and forced multiple turnovers in a game defined by pressure and resilience.
Head coach Nick Sirianni praised the unit’s effort, highlighting the renewed energy brought by Phillips and the rest of the defensive front. “We needed a spark on the edge,” Sirianni said. “Jaelan gave us that immediately.”
The Packers, meanwhile, struggled to sustain drives and failed to convert key third downs. Love admitted afterward that the offense had “let the defense down.” Green Bay’s offensive line couldn’t contain the Eagles’ relentless front, which included contributions from several newly active players.
Philadelphia’s Revamped Pass Rush Clicks
Before the trade deadline, Philadelphia’s defense was in need of a pass-rush revival. Former edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, who retired last month, still led the team with just 1.5 sacks entering Week 9. General manager Howie Roseman responded aggressively — not only trading for Phillips but also convincing veteran Brandon Graham to return from retirement.
The move paid off immediately. Alongside Phillips, second-year linebacker Nolan Smith Jr., recently back from a triceps injury, recorded a sack and two quarterback hits. Rookie Jalyx Hunt added another sack and two tackles for loss.
“It’s now a group that can really change games,” said Graham. “We need him [Phillips], and I’m happy that he’s on our team.”
Building Momentum
The win improved the Eagles to 6-3 and could mark a turning point for their defense heading into the second half of the season. With Phillips anchoring a reinvigorated pass rush, the team appears poised for a strong playoff push.
For Phillips, the night was about more than stats — it was about belonging. “It’s been a journey,” he said, reflecting on his path from Miami to Philadelphia. “To be part of this defense, with this energy, it feels right. This team fights for every inch, and I just wanted to do my part.”
As the Eagles prepare for next week’s matchup against the Detroit Lions, Phillips’ debut suggests that Roseman’s midseason gamble may already be paying off — not just with a win, but with the emotional spark the locker room needed.
