The Philadelphia Eagles picked up a big win over the Detroit Lions in Week 11, increasing their lead in the NFC East division, while they fight for the No. 1 seed in the conference. Before the deadline, the Eagles acquired edge rusher Jaelan Phillips with the hope that he could be a key cog in the Philly machine down the stretch, and it's safe to say that he has immediately made an impact.
In his debut against the Packers, Phillips showed out, and he continued that level of play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Considering that he'll be a free agent after the season, the Eagles have a clear decision to make, and that's extending Phillips before other teams get a chance to target him.
Jaelan Phillips Is Making an Eagles Extension Easy
In the win over Detroit, Phillips had four pressures and a sack. And over his first two games with the Eagles, he finished with 12 total pressures and has found ways to generate pressure consistently. On a critical 4th and goal with 5:16 left in the third quarter, Phillips blew past Lions blocker Penei Sewell (h/t @DiBonaNFL) and forced an inaccurate pass from quarterback Jared Goff that fell incomplete.
That's a big-time move, especially since Sewell is an All-Pro right tackle and has been a stalwart for the Lions' offensive line this season. The juice that Phillips has brought to the Eagles is evident, as Philadelphia has allowed seven and nine points in the last two weeks. The Eagles were looking for more pass rush off the edge, and that's exactly what he was doing.
Phillips ended up finishing with five total tackles and two QB hits in addition to the sack. He was given the "Player of the Game" ball from NBC, which he posted on his Instagram account (h/t @UndergroundPHI). Even after the game, he doubled down on his statement that being traded to Philly was the best thing that had ever happened to him.
Phillips always had the skillset that made him an intriguing edge rusher, and that's on full display already. He's made it clear he loves being an Eagle, and general manager Howie Roseman will have a decision to make. And from the look of this, it should be easy. Extending Phillips before he hits free agency in March should be at the top of the to-do list.
The Eagles giving up a third-round pick for him looks like a steal, but keeping him around for the long term would be wise. He's just 26 years old and has a lot of good football in front of him. And it's no secret he fits right in with what they are building in the City of Brotherly Love.