Eagles D In A Form As Postseason Nears

by Marc Narducci | Jan 2, 2026

Defense always travels, especially in the NFL postseason. That is why Eagles fans have a right to be optimistic as the playoffs near.

Heading into the final week of the regular season, the Eagles have gained momentum with a three-game winning streak.

While the first two games were against lowly Las Vegas and Washington, Sunday’s 13-12 victory at Buffalo was against a team considered a Super Bowl contender.

Yes, the Eagles were fortunate that Buffalo missed a PAT that caused the Bills to go for a two-point conversion with five seconds left. They also were fortunate that Josh Allen overthrew a wide-open receiver Khalil Shakir on the two-point conversion attempt that would have won the Bills the game.

Still, the Eagles held one of the NFL’s better offenses to their lowest point total of the season.

James Cook, who entered the game leading the NFL in rushing, was held to just 3.7 yards per carry on 20 attempts.

The Eagles played a physical game, the type that often produces wins in January and beyond.

Remember when the Eagles were not considered a good tackling team?

That was before the arrival of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

Now the Eagles are a hard-hitting team that has a secondary that just smothers receivers.

Cooper DeJean was all over the field, making a team-high tying nine tackles. Jalyx Hunt contributed two sacks among his seven tackles.

This game, along with an earlier 10-7 win at Green Bay, were the Eagles’ top defensive efforts this season, especially considering the competition.

Both games were on the road against playoff teams.

The Eagles have a defense capable of helping the team return to the Super Bowl.

The offense?

That’s another question.

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- Seizing the Moment

After the spring season was canceled last year due to the pandemic, these standout student-athletes from South Jersey are hoping to make the most of their opportunities in 2021.

We’re sure this week there will be constant sports radio talk about fans worrying about the offense and for good reason.

Jalen Hurts didn’t complete a single pass in the second half against Buffalo. That’s hard to do.

The Bills entered the game with one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL and the Eagles were able to average just 3.2 yards per carry.

Now the Eagles close out the season at home on Sunday against Washington.

While some would like to see the Eagles rest their starters, this reporter would like them to play everybody who is healthy.

That’s because the Eagles could still clinch the No. 2 seed if they win and Chicago loses to visiting Detroit. The Eagles-Washington game and the Detroit-Chicago matchup will both be 4:25 p.m. on Sunday.

If Chicago wins, the Eagles will be the No. 3 seed.

The Eagles were the No. 2 seed when they won the Super Bowl last year. Having the No. 2 seed would guarantee a home game in the second round.

Plus, with the way the offense played against Buffalo, the Eagles could use one final tuneup before the postseason begins.

Either way, with the defense, the Eagles have a chance against anybody in the field.

The offense?

We will see.

Jalyx Hunt / Courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles

Author: Marc Narducci

Eagles D In A Form As Postseason Nears

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