In a 22‑19 overtime loss to the Chargers, the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense was on the field for a record‑breaking number of snaps, and rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell finally saw action after missing the Week 13 game against the Bears.
Linebacker Usage
Eagles head coach Vic Fangio kept his word by giving the first‑round rookie some playing time on Monday night. Campbell appeared in 9 of the 74 total defensive snaps (12 %) against the Chargers, a first since he was sidelined in Week 13. During the week, Fangio said he should have gotten Campbell some snaps and would try to going forward. In the 22‑19 overtime loss, the linebacker rotation was as follows: Zack Baun – 74 snaps (100 %); Nakobe Dean – 65 snaps (88 %); Jihaad Campbell – 12 snaps (12 %). While Dean was caught a little flat‑footed on a 60‑yard pass to the running back early in the game, he finished with 7 tackles, 1 sack, 2 QB hits and a forced fumble. Campbell’s limited 12‑snap stint yielded 2 solo tackles, showing he made the most of his opportunities.
Defensive Rotations
The Eagles’ defense played well against the Chargers, but they were on the field a ton again, including the overtime period. Over the last three weeks, the defense has logged 74 snaps, 87 snaps and 74 snaps – three of their four highest totals this season (they also played 74 snaps against the Broncos). The Chargers won the time‑of‑possession battle 38:05 to 29:26. Baun, Cooper DeJean, Reed Blankenship and Quinyon Mitchell did not leave the field, playing all 74 snaps. Marcus Epps made his first start of the season and played 72 of 74 snaps, recording three tackles after having only 15 defensive snaps all season prior to this game.
Defensive‑Line and Edge Rotation
Because the Eagles were without Jalen Carter, the defensive‑line rotation was as follows: Moro Ojomo – 57 snaps (77 %); Jordan Davis – 45 snaps (61 %); Byron Young – 32 snaps (43 %); Ty Robinson – 7 snaps (9 %). The team also used Brandon Graham, Jaelan Phillips and Jalyx Hunt lining up inside during the game. Graham played 30 snaps, the most the 37‑year‑old has played in a game since coming out of retirement; he had played just 32 in his first four games back. The edge rotation was: Jaelan Phillips – 59 snaps (80 %); Nolan Smith – 44 snaps (59 %); Jalyx Hunt – 40 snaps (54 %); Brandon Graham – 30 snaps (41 %).
Offensive Performance
On offense, the Eagles’ core group remained largely intact. Quarterback Jalen Hurts and four of his offensive linemen played all 71 snaps. Landon Dickerson played 59 of 71 snaps, leaving the game with a calf injury but returning later; Brett Toth played the other 12 snaps at left guard. At the receiving end, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith played 69 of 71 snaps each. Brown had a big statistical day with 100 yards but also had a few uncharacteristic drops that loomed large. After those two, Jahan Dotson played 35 snaps (49 %) and Darius Cooper played 21 snaps (30 %). Running back Saquon Barkley played 58 snaps (82 %) and surpassed 100 yards for the second time all season, including a 52‑yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley each played 7 snaps.
Linebacker and Defensive Contributions
The defensive effort was highlighted by Nakobe Dean’s 7 tackles, 1 sack, 2 QB hits and a forced fumble, while Baun logged a full 74 snaps. Marcus Epps, in his first start, contributed 3 tackles in 72 snaps. The depth on the line of scrimmage was evident, with Moro Ojomo, Jordan Davis, Byron Young and Ty Robinson rotating to keep players fresh and the defense aggressive.
Off‑Season and In‑Game Adjustments
The game also showcased the Eagles’ willingness to rotate players. Cooper DeJean, normally a defensive player, appeared on the offensive line for a single snap as the deep man when Hurts took the knee to send the game into overtime. This type of flexibility is part of the coaching staff’s strategy to keep the team competitive across all phases of the game.
Game Context and Outcome
The 22‑19 overtime loss came after a hard‑fought Monday night matchup. The Chargers’ time‑of‑possession advantage of 38:05 to 29:26 gave them sustained drives, but the Eagles’ defense managed to keep the game close. The overtime period saw both teams trading stops, but ultimately the Chargers secured the win.
Significance of Campbell’s Snap Time
Jihaad Campbell’s 12 snaps, which included 2 solo tackles, marked his first meaningful defensive contribution since Week 13. Fangio’s statement that he should have gotten Campbell more snaps indicates a commitment to developing the rookie and integrating him into the defensive scheme.
Depth and Rotation Strategy
The Eagles’ use of a high number of defensive snaps—74 in the last three weeks, 87 in one week, and 74 in another—demonstrates a strategy that relies on depth and rotation to maintain intensity. Players like Baun, DeJean, Blankenship, and Mitchell were on the field for every snap, while others like Epps and the defensive line rotated to keep the unit fresh.
Offensive Stability
Offensively, the core remained stable with Hurts, Brown, Smith, and Barkley contributing significant yardage. The presence of seasoned veterans such as Dallas Goedert (8 catches on 10 targets for 78 yards) and Grant Calcaterra (15 snaps) provided continuity and experience.
Key Takeaways
- The Eagles’ defense logged record‑breaking snaps, with Baun, DeJean, Blankenship and Mitchell playing every snap of the game.
- Rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell finally saw action, recording 2 solo tackles in 12 snaps after being inactive in Week 13.
- The offense was largely intact, with Hurts, Brown, Smith and Barkley contributing significant yardage and the team achieving a 22‑19 overtime loss to the Chargers.
Closing Thoughts
In the end, the Eagles’ commitment to a high‑volume defensive scheme paid off in terms of player usage, but the effort fell just short of securing a win. The game showcased both the depth of the Eagles’ roster and the impact that even limited snaps can have on a player’s development. The team will look to build on this experience as the season progresses.
