The Philadelphia Eagles capped another NFC East title with a 29-18 victory over the Washington Commanders in Landover, and defensive tackle Jordan Davis played a pivotal role.
A Season of Transformation
Davis recorded six tackles and two tackles for loss in Saturday’s win, bringing his season totals to 65 tackles, 4 ½ sacks, nine tackles for loss, six quarterback hits and six pass break-ups. Those numbers place him in the same elite group as Maxx Crosby and T.J. Watt, the only other players with that exact combination.
“Rome isn’t built in a day,” Davis told NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark after the game. “Now it’s finally at a point where it clicks and I’m consistent at it and I understand and I love where I’m at.”
The turnaround is striking. Drafted 13th overall in 2022, Davis struggled in his first three seasons, playing only 40 snaps in five of 55 games. This year, he averages 40 snaps per game and has risen from 59th among NFL interior linemen-37 % of the Eagles’ snaps-to 21st, 62 % of the snaps.
The Numbers Tell the Story
- 65 tackles (career high)
- 4 ½ sacks
- 9 tackles for loss
- 6 quarterback hits
- 6 pass break-ups
The only reason his snap percentage hasn’t climbed higher is the depth at interior on the Eagles’ line: Moro Ojomo, Jalen Carter when healthy, and Byron Young in recent weeks. Even with that rotation, Davis’s impact is unmistakable.
” I love my body, I love where I’m at, I love the way that I’m playing. I love the way that I’m moving. I’m breathing different. I’m living different,” he said. “All that just factors in and just motivates me to just be a better player and be a better person and just keep claiming it.”
From Questionable to Valuable
During his first three seasons, the Eagles even debated whether to exercise Davis’s 5th-year option for $12.9 million in 2026. Now, with a breakout season, that option looks like a bargain and has put Howie Roseman in a difficult spot as he tries to keep the defense together.
Davis has become the heart of a defense that is improving each week as Philadelphia heads toward the playoffs. He and Reed Blankenship are the only defensive starters who have played every game for the last four years. Nakobe Dean, Brandon Graham, and Marcus Epps have also been mainstays since 2022.
He may not officially be a captain, but his leadership is felt throughout the locker room. “Anytime somebody goes through the same problems that I’ve gone through, it’s easy for me to connect because I’ve been through it, I’ve worked through it,” Davis told Clark. “I’m still working through it. It’s not something that just turns on and off.”
Key Takeaways
- Davis’s 65 tackles and 4 ½ sacks signal a Pro Bowl-ready season.
- His snap percentage jump from 37 % to 62 % shows increased trust from the coaching staff.
- The Eagles’ depth at interior keeps his percentage from rising higher, yet his impact remains critical.
The Eagles’ defense, anchored by Davis, is stronger than ever, and his personal evolution from a struggling rookie to a cornerstone of the team underscores the value of perseverance and hard work.
Closing
Jordan Davis’s season exemplifies how a player can reinvent himself through soul searching, relentless effort, and a willingness to adapt. As the Eagles move into the postseason, Davis’s leadership and performance will be a key factor in whether the team can translate their regular-season dominance into a championship run.
