The Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to exercise Jordan Davis’s fifth‑year option in April proved to be a masterstroke. The 25‑year‑old defensive end, a 2022 first‑round pick from Georgia, had been under scrutiny for not meeting draft expectations, yet the Eagles locked him into a contract that guarantees him a 2026 salary of over $12.9 million.
Jordan Davis: From Controversy to Contender
Davis entered the league in a state of doubt. His first three seasons saw him accumulate 3 ½ sacks across 47 games, a pace of one sack every 323.1 snaps. The 2025 season, however, tells a different story. After shedding 26 pounds at the start of the year, Davis has logged 4 ½ sacks in just 13 games, averaging a sack every 120.9 snaps. He has also posted 24 quarterback hits, 67 forced fumbles, and 46 batted passes, all in the same span.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio praised the improvement: “He’s definitely improved his technique, but the weight loss and conditioning have played a big part.” Davis echoed that sentiment, noting the psychological edge of playing in the team’s white jerseys: “If you feel good in that white jersey, you’re really doing something,” he said. “Feeling‑wise, it’s been great, it’s been amazing. I want to play with full, fanatical effort, whether that’s 25 snaps or 50 snaps.”
Defensive Line Dominance
Even without key player Jalen Carter, the Eagles’ defensive line rattled Justin Herbert on Monday night, racking up seven sacks and 28 pressures in a Week 14 loss. Linebacker Zack Baun described the experience: “It’s amazing. There’s no better feeling than sitting back in coverage and watching the quarterback get swarmed.” The team’s pressure rate of 68.3% in that game was the highest for any NFL team in a single game this season.
The 2024 season saw the Eagles reach 31 sacks by Week 15, moving from a tie for 22nd in the league with 24 sacks to a tie for 15th. This jump of seven spots underscores the line’s impact. The Eagles also have a chance to apply similar pressure on the Raiders’ Kenny Pickett, whose team has surrendered a league‑high 50 sacks in 13 games.
Long Snapper Swap
The Eagles activated long snapper Charley Hughlett from injured reserve this week. The 35‑year‑old had a core‑muscle injury in Week 4 that required surgery. Although he was expected back a couple of weeks earlier, a minor hiccup with soreness delayed his return. Hughlett is now healthy and will play on Sunday afternoon.
During his time on the sidelines, the Eagles made it clear they would return to Hughlett when he was ready. Cal Adomitis, who had filled in for nine weeks, was released earlier this week. Hughlett reflected on the situation: “It’s always a weird dynamic with specialists because it’s not like the offensive line where there’s 18 guys on a roster. I just try to be friendly and nice with everybody. Cal is an awesome dude and he did a great job while he was in, and he’s a young guy so he’s got a long career ahead of him.”
Coaching Involvement and the Monday Night Loss
An ESPN report indicated that head coach Nick Sirianni had been more involved in offensive preparations leading up to the Monday night game in Los Angeles. After the game, Sirianni confirmed his involvement. Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo downplayed the significance: “I’ve been here obviously for five years, so it’s funny because it’s really no different than any other year as far as Nick being involved. He always knows what we’re doing and he’s an awesome resource for all of us as coordinators.”
The Eagles lost 22‑19 in overtime, scoring only one touchdown in 14 possessions. Despite the loss, the team moved the ball 365 yards and achieved 19 first downs. Patullo noted the benefit of Sirianni’s presence: “We work really, really well together. It’s fun and a good process to have him throughout the week to bounce things off him and get it going.”
Betting Favorites and Historical Context
The Eagles enter Sunday’s game against the Raiders as 11 ½‑point home favorites. This is the ninth time under Sirianni that the team has been a 10‑plus‑point favorite entering a game. In those eight prior instances, the Eagles were 6‑2 but covered the spread only twice. Their last loss as a 10‑plus‑point favorite came in Week 17 of 2023 against the Cardinals, a 35‑31 defeat after blowing a 15‑point halftime lead.
Historical performance in such games under Sirianni:
- Week 14, 2024: 22‑16 win vs. Panthers (did not cover)
- Week 17, 2023: 31‑34 loss vs. Cardinals (did not cover)
- Week 16, 2023: 33‑25 win vs. Giants (did not cover)
- Week 18, 2022: 22‑16 win vs. Giants (did not cover)
- Week 10, 2022: 21‑32 loss vs. Commanders (did not cover)
- Week 9, 2022: 29‑17 win vs. Texans (did not cover)
- Week 8, 2022: 35‑13 win vs. Steelers (covered)
- Week 16, 2021: 34‑10 win vs. Giants (covered)
Key Takeaways
- Jordan Davis’s contract extension and improved performance signal a strong future for the Eagles’ defensive line.
- The line’s recent seven‑sack game and high pressure rate highlight its growing dominance.
- The long‑snapper change back to Charley Hughlett and release of Cal Adomitis reflect the team’s commitment to specialist stability.
- Sirianni’s increased offensive involvement did not secure a win, but it may still influence future preparation.
- The Eagles’ betting history as a 10‑plus‑point favorite shows a pattern of not covering, raising questions for Sunday’s matchup.
The Eagles’ 2025 season continues to evolve around a revitalized defensive front and a coaching staff that is adapting to new challenges. With Davis’s contract secured and the defensive line proving its mettle, the team is poised to make a deep playoff run, provided the offensive unit can capitalize on the opportunities created by the defense.
Closing
The Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to lock in Jordan Davis for 2026, coupled with a defensive line that has become a league‑wide threat, positions the franchise for sustained success. As the team navigates coaching dynamics and specialist roster moves, the focus remains on maintaining momentum and translating defensive prowess into wins on the field.
