Eagles acquire Phillips from Dolphins; he shines in debut win over Packers

Jaelan Phillips made an impressive debut for the Philadelphia Eagles, helping secure a 10-7 victory against the Green Bay Packers.

Why it matters: This acquisition underscores the Eagles' commitment to strengthening their defense as they push for playoff contention. Phillips, acquired from the Miami Dolphins for a third-round pick just before the trade deadline, displayed his potential immediately by leading all Eagles edge players in snaps during his debut.

By the numbers: In his first game with Philadelphia, Phillips recorded:

• 52 snaps played
• 7 pressures
• 6 tackles
• 2 quarterback hits
• 1 fumble recovery

What’s new: Phillips’ standout performance included a crucial play on fourth-and-1, forcing a fumble from Josh Jacobs that sealed the win for the Eagles. His ability to disrupt plays adds depth to a defensive unit already featuring standout talents like Jalen Carter and Brandon Graham.

What to watch: Phillips' integration into the Eagles’ defensive scheme will be pivotal moving forward.

• The Eagles’ defense has shown resilience, holding the Packers scoreless through three quarters, which has only occurred three times under head coach Matt LaFleur.
• Their strong pass rush, evidenced by three sacks and eight quarterback hits on Packers quarterback Jordan Love, highlights the importance of having effective edge rushers like Phillips.

Yes, but: While one stellar game is promising, consistency will be key for Phillips moving ahead.

• He will need to maintain this level of performance to justify the draft capital used to acquire him.
• As Phillips noted about his emotional experience playing at Lambeau Field, he must channel that energy into sustained excellence on the field.

Between the lines: Phillips expressed how significant this moment was for him personally, stating, “This is literally the greatest thing that has happened to me in my whole life, probably.” His passion and commitment could be a vital asset to the Eagles' locker room culture.

The bottom line: With Phillips now part of the equation, the Eagles have further fortified their defense, positioning themselves as serious contenders in the NFC. As they move deeper into the season, the effectiveness of their newly bolstered defensive lineup will be something to closely monitor.