It is impossible to script a better debut for Philadelphia Eagles trade deadline addition Jaelan Phillips. There was some level of concern around whether or not the franchise had overspent sending a third-round pick in exchange for the veteran pass rusher, despite there having already been conversations about his looking to stay in Philadelphia long-term. Of course, that's something Eagles fans are on board with if Phillips' first game was an indication of what is to come.
Phillips recovered a fumble, had eight pressures, five solo tackles, and four stops, making an incredible impact in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's unit. This is something that the defender himself noted on Friday, offering the following comment via The Athletic's Zach Berman.
"I think this system allows be to a little more free. It reminded me of 2023 when I was playing in Vic's system again — just in terms of the stats, the production. It was definitely my best game of the year so far, but definitely not the best I got. Still working on things."Jaelan Phillips on Vic Fangio
Phillips is clearly crediting Fangio for bringing out the best in his game while saying there is better ahead. It is hard to imagine what that translates to aside from perhaps actually getting the quarterback to the ground. Regardless, as long as the ex-Miami (FL) Hurricane continues to play at the level he did in Green Bay, the Eagles and their defensive coordinator are going to look genius for making the move.
Vic Fangio, Jaelan Phillips' Past Paints a Bright Future in Philly
Phillips has experience playing under Fangio previously, when he would quickly pile up 6.5 sacks when the two worked together in Miami during the 2023 season. That was also when the Redlands, CA native finished with career-best 77.7 run defense and 77.5 tackling grades on Pro Football Focus, as well as respectable marks for pass rushing (71.2) and overall defense (79.8)
While it was a short window for the duo, it gave a glimpse of what Phillips might accomplish in Fangio's system. Now, not only is the 26-year-old vet going back to the coach who brought the best out of him previously, but it's also happening on an Eagles team that is much better than the 2023 Dolphins.
Even at Miami's best, their recent defensive talent simply cannot touch the ceiling of Philly's current defense. The Eagles have put Phillips back into the perfect system with the most talent the pass rusher has ever played with throughout his career. All of this helps explain the comment and why Fangio will continue to bring out the best in the defender.
What the veteran defensive coordinator does best is understand his players and know how to get the best out of each piece. For Phillips, this means freeing the pass rusher up to play with a level of speed and aggression, not second-guessing himself. There are elite athletes all around the Philly defense that afford a higher level of freedom for Phillips, and that showed up in his first game.
With this in mind, Eagles fans should continue to expect solid performances from a trade deadline deal that keeps getting better each day. If Fangio keeps playing to Phillips' strengths and the wins keep piling up, fans might look back at the trade with the Dolphins as the turning point of the season.