The Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive front—led by massive interior linemen Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter—used their length, quickness, and relentless pressure to dismantle one of the NFL’s top offenses on Sunday night.
From the opening series, the Eagles’ pass rush repeatedly collapsed the pocket around Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who finished with a 37.8% completion rate and a 60.1 passer rating as he struggled to throw clean passes under heavy duress.
Apart from a few chunk plays by Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams, Detroit’s offense never found a rhythm in Philadelphia’s 16–9 Week 11 win at Lincoln Financial Field. The defensive line—Carter, Davis, and new edge rusher Jaelan Phillips—set the tone all night.
For the second straight week, Philadelphia’s offense sputtered, but the defense’s physical dominance carried the team. One week earlier, Fangio’s group held the Green Bay Packers to seven points at Lambeau Field.
With offensive inconsistencies likely to continue, the Eagles’ postseason hopes depend heavily on this defense sustaining its current form. The good news for Philadelphia: this front line is talented, explosive, well-coached, and smart.
Film study reveals the secret weapon
On Detroit’s first drive, Davis tipped a Goff throw that landed in Cooper DeJean’s arms for an interception. Postgame, Davis said the defensive tackles knew from film breakdowns that Goff’s lower throwing angle made his passes vulnerable to being batted down. Davis knocked down three passes; Carter added two more.
“We work on that constantly,” Davis said. “If I can’t get home for a sack or a hit, I’m going to use my height. Goff throws low, so we wanted to take advantage.”
Those deflections combined with steady pressure, timely sacks, and stout run defense to disrupt the Lions all game. According to Next Gen Stats, Goff went 0-for-12 on passes thrown while under pressure.
Philadelphia finished with two sacks, seven quarterback hits, and several key stops on fourth down—including one where Phillips smacked Goff as he threw, forcing an incompletion in the end zone.
“We just wanted it more,” Phillips said. “We were disciplined, and they didn’t have answers.”
Phillips, acquired two weeks ago from Miami for a third-round pick, has already strengthened the edge rotation and benefited from the interior pressure created by Davis and Carter. One illustrative play came early in the game when Carter bulldozed rookie guard Tate Ratledge, flushing Goff directly into Phillips for a sack.
“This is just who we are,” Carter said. “We trust each other.”
Depth concerns turn into newfound strength
The Eagles entered the season with uncertainty after losing Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, and veteran Brandon Graham (who later un-retired). A year ago, their depth helped them field the league’s top-ranked defense. This season they were 18th heading into Week 11 — a ranking that now appears poised to climb.
With Graham returning to join Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Josh Uche, and the newly added Phillips, the Eagles suddenly have a deep, dangerous five-man rotation on the edge.
Hunt recorded three quarterback hits, the most of any Eagle.
Interior lineman Moro Ojomo, filling Williams’ old role, delivered one of the night’s biggest moments. On a critical fourth-and-1 early in the second quarter, he powered through tackle Taylor Decker, shed Amon-Ra St. Brown’s block, and stopped Gibbs for no gain.
Carter explained, “People said we needed to replace guys we lost. We love those players, but this shows how connected we are with whoever’s on the field.”
Peaking at the right time
Carter and Davis both said the defense is hitting its stride with six weeks left before the playoffs. Last season’s unit also peaked around this time before powering the Eagles to the Super Bowl.
And this year’s group may be even more talented: Carter, Davis, Phillips, Ojomo, Smith, and Hunt are all ascending players with star potential. Their dominance against one of the league’s best offensive lines only highlighted their ceiling.
“We wanted to set the tone,” Davis said. “We wanted to attack and be the first to strike. I’m proud of this group and excited for what’s ahead.”
