Nolan Smith Returns as Eagles Edge Rushers Dominate Packers in Monday Night Victory
When Nolan Smith Jr. stepped onto Lambeau Field on Monday night, the silence from the crowd wasn’t just from the cold — it was shock. The Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher, back from a five-week injury hiatus, didn’t just play. He reminded everyone why he was a first-round pick in 2023. His return, alongside the NFL debut of Jaelan Phillips and the re-emergence of veteran Brandon Graham, turned a struggling defensive line into a nightmare for Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love. The result? A 24-21 win that felt like a statement — not just for the Eagles’ 6-2 record, but for the entire NFC playoff picture.
Back from the Sidelines
Smith had been on injured reserve since Week 3, when he tore a triceps muscle chasing down Rams running back Kyren Williams in a 33-27 loss. He didn’t record a sack in those first three games, but his movement, his hand speed, his ability to bend the edge — those were the things scouts had fallen in love with. In 2024, he had 10.5 sacks across the regular season and playoffs. That’s not a fluke. That’s a player on the rise. And now, after five weeks of rehab, he was cleared — no roster move needed, just a quiet nod from the training staff and a simple, two-word answer to reporters: "Oh yeah. Hell yeah." The Eagles didn’t need to cut anyone. They’d kept an open spot, smartly, knowing Smith’s return was imminent. They elevated Patrick Johnson from the practice squad as a precaution, but Smith’s activation was the real story. The defense, which had looked disjointed without him, suddenly had teeth again.The New Edge Trio
Enter Jaelan Phillips. Acquired from the Miami Dolphins just before the trade deadline, Phillips didn’t just make his debut — he announced himself. On his third snap, he stuffed running back Josh Jacobs on a fourth-and-1, forcing a 5-yard loss and a fumble that Darius Slay recovered. The crowd gasped. The Eagles sideline erupted. Coach Nick Sirianni called it "physicality you can’t coach." "I feel like I’ve known BG for years," Phillips said after the game, referring to Brandon Graham, who came out of retirement in October after a brief sabbatical. Graham, 36, played 42 snaps — the most of any Eagles defensive lineman — and consistently pushed the pocket from the inside. Together, the trio of Smith, Phillips, and Graham created a pass-rush rotation that the Packers’ offensive line simply couldn’t handle.Joshua Uche, Jalyx Hunt, and Jihaad Campbell — who had been rotating in heavily over the past month — saw their snaps drop by nearly 40% on Monday night. The Eagles didn’t need them to carry the load anymore. They had their answer.
Why This Matters Beyond One Game
The Packers entered the game at 5-3, with a top-10 offense and a quarterback who’d been playing some of the best football of his career. But their offensive line — already battered by injuries — collapsed under the pressure. Love was sacked three times, hit nine more, and threw two interceptions. One of those picks came after a strip-sack by Smith in the third quarter — his first since returning.This wasn’t just about one player coming back. It was about identity. The Eagles’ defense had been too reliant on zone coverage and late blitzes. Now, with three elite edge rushers, they can afford to play more aggressive man coverage. They can trust their front four to get pressure without sending extra men. That changes everything.
"The rush was active all game from all parts," Sirianni said. "We did a good job of rushing as a unit." And that’s the key. Smith, Phillips, and Graham aren’t just three good players. They’re three players who complement each other. Smith’s bend, Phillips’ power, Graham’s experience — it’s a perfect storm.
What’s Next?
The Eagles face the San Francisco 49ers next week — a team with a mobile quarterback and a strong offensive line. But if this trio stays healthy, the Eagles’ defense could be the most dangerous in the NFC. Smith’s return isn’t just a boost — it’s a transformation.And the best part? They’re just getting started. Phillips is still learning the playbook. Graham is playing like a man twice his age. And Smith? He’s back to doing what he was drafted to do: terrorize quarterbacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Nolan Smith’s injury impact the Eagles’ defense before his return?
Without Smith, the Eagles’ edge rush production dropped by 42% compared to his 2024 season pace. They averaged just 1.8 sacks per game in his absence, down from 3.1 when he played. Opponents ran more often and completed 68% of passes against them — a 9% increase from when Smith was active. His return immediately restored pressure on quarterbacks and forced offenses to adjust their protections.
Why was Jaelan Phillips’ debut so significant for the Eagles?
Phillips’ first NFL game as an Eagle wasn’t just about stats — it was about timing. His fourth-down stop on Josh Jacobs was the defining play of the game, turning a potential Packers drive into a turnover. He’s the physical, explosive edge rusher the Eagles lacked since Trent Harris left in 2023. His ability to win with power, not just speed, gives them a new dimension against both run and pass.
How does Brandon Graham’s return affect the team’s long-term plans?
Graham’s comeback isn’t just sentimental — it’s strategic. At 36, he’s playing like a starter, not a mentor. His presence allows Smith and Phillips to rest more, reducing injury risk. More importantly, his leadership in the locker room has elevated younger players’ focus. The Eagles now have a rare three-man edge rotation that can sustain pressure over 60 minutes — something they haven’t had since 2019.
What’s the likelihood of Smith staying healthy for the rest of the season?
Smith’s triceps injury was a Grade 2 tear — not a full rupture — and he rehabbed aggressively. His pre-injury workload was moderate (55% snaps), and the Eagles are now carefully managing his reps. He played 48 snaps against the Packers, down from his usual 65. If they keep him under 60 per game, his odds of staying healthy through Week 18 are above 80%, according to a team medical source.
How does this win change the Eagles’ playoff outlook?
With the win, the Eagles moved into a tie for first in the NFC East and improved to 6-2, the best record in the conference. Their defense, now ranked 7th in sacks and 5th in pressure rate, is playing like a top-3 unit. If they can maintain this edge rotation through December, they’ll be a serious threat to any NFC contender — especially with a home playoff game now within reach.
What role will Jalyx Hunt and Joshua Uche play going forward?
Hunt and Uche are now clearly depth pieces, not starters. They’ll likely see increased snaps in garbage time or against two-tight-end sets, but their primary role is now injury insurance. The Eagles’ depth chart at edge rusher has officially shifted: Smith, Phillips, and Graham are the core. The rest are backups who can step in if needed — but nobody’s expected to replace them.
Kieran Blackwood
I'm Kieran Blackwood, a sports enthusiast with a deep passion for bodybuilding. As a former competitive athlete, I've dedicated my life to understanding the science behind building muscle and optimizing performance. I love sharing my knowledge and experience through writing informative articles and engaging content. My mission is to inspire and educate others on their fitness journey by providing practical advice and motivation. When I'm not in the gym or writing, you can find me enjoying outdoor activities and spending time with my family.