The Philadelphia Eagles' bye week seemingly arrived at the perfect time, allowing both sides of the ball to get healthier and reset after a rocky start. The week off also allowed general manager Howie Roseman to work the trade lines, acquiring cornerbacks Michael Carter II and Jaire Alexander, as well as linebacker Jaelan Phillips, to bolster the defensive unit.
Although Philly remains firmly at the top of the NFC picture with a record of 6-2, there has been no shortage of sources of frustration amid the team's success. It isn't just role or depth players who are letting the franchise down at various times, but its top stars as well. Controversy is a familiar spot for the Eagles, even in the middle of attempting to defend a Super Bowl run.
Questions about the defense, quarterback, and coaching style never seem to go away, while the Eagles simply find ways to win. Still, this doesn't take away the need for improvement following the bye week, starting with two of Philly's star players who are not living up to expectations early in the season.
1. Jalen Carter, DT
Carter seemingly set the tone for his 2025 season before ever playing a snap. The star defender was tossed from the season opener for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. While this left nowhere to go but up for the rest of the season, a healthy level of frustration has remained. Managing only one sack on the season, the expected level of dominance simply hasn't been present thus far in the season.
It doesn't help that he also ranks low among interior defenders on Pro Football Focus when it comes to:
- Overall defense: 60.6, T-81st out of 201
- Run defense: 49.9, T-133rd
- Tackling: 25.8, 185th
For the Eagles to defend last year's Super Bowl run, the defense needs Carter to be the game-wrecker he is expected to be. While this might seem like a lot of pressure, the needed talent and pieces are in place to make it happen. There simply aren't any excuses for the slower start to the season, as well as the penalties and consistent mental mistakes. Philly needs more from its defensive star, and that must start on Monday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers.
2. A.J. Brown, WR
Things reached such a low with the star receiver that a trade was speculated based on the level of frustration. A.J. Brown is an objectively selfish player at times who is only content when he is getting consistent touches. With that said, there is also no denying the incredible impact Brown has and how much he brings to the Philly roster. The counter to this is pointing out the fact that the Eagles scored 38 points ahead of the bye week with Brown out of the lineup, proving that they can succeed without him if forced.
If ever there was a wake-up call for a consistent 2025 distraction, perhaps this will serve as the catalyst. Brown needs to adopt the team mindset, understanding that what comes first is doing whatever it takes to win. This should be the focus, whether it means 10 catches or simply setting up Saquon Barkley in the run game.
There has to be a focus on the team that simply hasn't been present for a player who remains a vital piece that simply isn't adopting the needed mindset. Philly fans can only hope that Week 10 changes this for the better.
3. Adoree' Jackson, CB
Kelee Ringo could be included here as well, with the addition of Michael Carter II and Jaire Alexander clearly pushing both corners into obscurity. Adoree'Jackson has been on incredibly thin ice based on his devolving level of play. It seems that the Eagles front office had seen enough, bringing in Alexander in what they hope to be the solidifying move for the Philly secondary, which was needed considering Jackson's PFF rankings among fellow cornerbacks:
- Overall defense: 47.1, 170th out of 188
- Tackling: 50.2, 120th
- Coverage: 47.3, 158th
Regardless, there is no denying that Jackson has been a source of frustration over the last weeks of the season. Falling out of the lineup makes it clear that there is an uphill battle to again be involved with the defense at any level of consistency. Both Ringo and Jackson appear to be on their respective ways out unless something drastic happens down the stretch of the season.