The Philadelphia Eagles finally got back on track with a much-needed and dominant win. However, even in the losses, the defense showed up to play. It was the offense that kept holding the team back every week.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio had the Eagles' defense ready to play, and adding Jaelan Phillips to the mix worked wonders to solve this team's early-season woes. He's been spectacular since arriving in the City of Brotherly Love, and there's just no way the team should let him go. Unfortunately, that also means someone else will have to be the odd man out, and it might be Reed Blankenship.
The Eagles Need to Prioritize Jaelan Phillips Over Reed Blankenship
Phillips has 59 pressures this season, the ninth most among 112 eligible edge rushers. His Pro Football Focus grade of 73.1 ranks 32nd, but it's still far above average. In six games with the Eagles, he's already logged 21 total tackles (ten solo), seven QB hits, three tackles for loss, four passes defensed, one forced fumble, and 1.0 sacks, not to mention some huge plays in crucial moments.
Phillips has become an instrumental part of Vic Fangio's defense, playing in at least 70 percent of the snaps in every game since the trade. As such, this team will have to prioritize, and with Nakobe Dean and Reed Blankenship also set to be free agents, the safety will likely be on his way out.
Blankenship's PFF grade of 43.7 is the fourth-worst in the league, and that's despite playing 845 snaps, the 13th most among safeties. Those numbers only tell part of the story, however. He's no longer the hard-hitting safety that became a fan favorite and a success story in Philadelphia, and he's been a liability in man coverage for most of the season. That is clear to see without the use of advanced statistics.
The Eagles have plenty of deferred money, and while GM Howie Roseman is a master at maneuvering the salary cap to ensure everybody gets paid, this team will ultimately have to prioritize some players over others. Phillips has proven to be way too valuable and plays in a more impactful position, so this should be an easy call for this organization.
Blankenship has been with the Eagles since entering the league in 2022 as an undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee State University. He was instrumental in helping the team win the Super Bowl last season. That being said, this is a ruthless business, and the Eagles can't afford to get sentimental when it comes to building the best roster possible.