Obviously, a little bit of a quicker Philadelphia Eagles film review this week so that I can get to the San Francisco 49ers preview. I will watch this game against the Washington Commanders back in more detail in the off-season, focusing on a few other performances that I couldn’t get to this time. The Eagles rested most of their starters, played a full slate of backups, and paid for it with a 24–17 loss that cost them the No. 2 seed. There were a few interesting things to watch in this one, both for good and bad reasons!
Defense
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was the clear standout on the night. What jumps off the film is how quickly he sees things. He’s consistently a step ahead of blocking schemes, triggering downhill before guards can square him up, and rarely taking false steps. He’s not an elite athlete, but his instincts and processing speed allow him to play faster than most linebackers on the field. If Nakobe Dean does move on in the offseason, the film absolutely justifies giving Trotter a real shot at meaningful reps next year. The Eagles’ linebacker depth is one of the strongest position groups on the roster. What a strange turn of events. I’m probably always too positive about Trotter (because I’ve always been a big fan), but I do think he played extremely well.
This interception is a perfect snapshot of why Jalyx Hunt has become such an important piece of the defense. Josh Uche’s pressure forces the quarterback to rush the throw, but Hunt’s ability to drop, read the quarterback, and break on the ball is what finishes the play. You simply don’t see many EDGE defenders make this interception. The increased drop rate this season mentioned in the tweet isn’t accidental; the staff trusts him, and his former safety background is showing up. He’s no longer just a rotational rusher; he’s a legitimate chess piece that can be used in a variety of ways. It’s exactly what I hoped when the Eagles drafted him!
Trotter’s night wasn’t limited to instincts and run fits. He held up well in coverage and even flashed as a pass rusher! For a linebacker playing heavy snaps in a backup-heavy defense, this was a very encouraging all-around performance. My only worry is that if I were another general manager watching this performance, I’m going to give Howie Roseman a ring…
The cornerback depth issue could not have been clearer. Jakorian Bennett simply cannot survive in coverage without grabbing, and NFL quarterbacks will target him relentlessly. We won’t see him again this season. These weren’t borderline penalties. They were obvious penalties that put the defense in impossible positions. At this point, it’s hard to see a playoff scenario where Bennett can be trusted on the field. The trade has aged poorly, and the film here is as concerning as it gets. This has been an issue since he arrived.
Kelee Ringo didn’t offer much relief on the other side. While the physical tools are still obvious, his confidence looks completely shot. He’s late out of breaks, hesitant at the catch point, and playing bad football. Corners need confidence to survive in this league, and right now Ringo looks like a player who needs a reset. It’s not working for him in this defense. If any of the top three corners go down in the playoffs, the Eagles are walking a very thin line. Adoree Jackson has become a critical piece for this defense. Just as we expected, right?
Ty Robinson hasn’t had the rookie season anyone hoped for, but he made some good plays that stood out against the run. He played with better pad level, held his ground more consistently, and showed flashes of quickness to get off blocks. It doesn’t change the broader evaluation of his rookie season, but it’s something to build on. I’m looking forward to rewatching all of his snaps in the summer.
Ending with Trotter feels right because this play encapsulates everything he does well. He diagnoses immediately, slips by the guard cleanly, and finishes with a clean tackle. There is so much poor linebacker play across the league, and Trotter already looks like someone who belongs. His performance reinforces the idea that the Eagles’ linebacker room is in excellent shape long-term. If Trotter is needed moving forward, I have faith in him.
Final Thoughts
The Eagles’ front seven is ready for playoff football. The secondary depth, however, is a real problem. If injuries strike at corner or safety, the margin for error disappears quickly.
The good news is that the Eagles are likely entering the postseason relatively healthy, and most of the snaps from this game won’t be repeated in meaningful moments. If the starters stay upright, this defense can absolutely carry a playoff run. If not, the cracks we saw here will be tested immediately.
Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to comment below and ask any questions. If you enjoyed this piece, you can find more of my work and podcast here. If you would like to support me further, please check out my Patreon here!
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