Although the Philadelphia Eagles kicked off the 2025 season with a 24-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys, their defense had trouble getting to Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Despite shutting out Dallas in the second half, the Cowboys scored on each of their four first-half possessions, leaving head coach Nick Sirianni & Co. needing to make adjustments in Week 2.
Linebacker Azeez Ojulari, who was inactive for Week 1 after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Eagles during the offseason, could be exactly what they need to get some more pressure on opposing QBs. According to The Athletic's Zach Berman, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said, "I have no doubt he's going to help us win games going forward," pointing to the impact that he expects Ojulari to make when he takes the field.
Azeez Ojulari Could Debut for Eagles in Week 2
Ojulari was a healthy scratch for Week 1 after struggling throughout much of training camp. However, Ojulari has had no trouble getting pressure on QBs during his previous four seasons with the New York Giants, starting in 30 of his 46 appearances, recording 107 tackles and 22 QB sacks during that time.
The Eagles are loaded at the linebacker position with Nolan Smith Jr., All-Pro Zack Baun, and rookie Jihaad Campbell, which could make it difficult for Ojulari to get much playing time. Still, his past success suggests he can leave an impact and fit right into the defense, which did not play like it is accustomed to against Dallas.
Despite a Super Bowl 59 rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs, plus a home game against the Los Angeles Rams and a road contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Eagles have to like their chances the next three weeks, given each of those teams' offensive struggles in Week 1 (average of 19.3 points scored).
Philadelphia must find a way to get pressure going forward, though, regardless of how things look on paper. The Chiefs, Buccaneers, and Rams all have solid quarterbacks, and the Eagles must punish them all game long.
Ojulari has proven he can do that when he is on the field, so perhaps it would be beneficial for the Eagles to at least get him limited snaps to see what he can do for them.