Excitement and expectations heading into the 2026 season around star Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis were sky-high and well-deserved.
The former first-rounder out of Georgia loudly announced his arrival last season as one of the best in the business, spearheading the defensive line with 4.5 sacks, six passes defended, and constant activity on the front for Philadelphia.
It resulted in a hefty new contract for the charismatic man in the middle. This imposing force has endeared himself to the Philly faithful since arriving in Philadelphia in the first round of the 2022 draft.
But with a highly frustrating collective effort by the entire Eagles' defense in Week 3, the turnaround for this group under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio must be spearheaded by the unit that has always forged the team's path to success - the talent in the trenches.
Jordan Davis needs to get back to his impactful ways for Eagles defense
Thus far in the 2026 season, Philadelphia defenders have managed just three sacks through three games. Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Jihaad Campbell have notched those modest numbers, while this defense remains the only team in NFL action without a forced turnover. Davis, who showed such strides toward rising-star status on the interior last season, is tasked with helping right the ship defensively, starting in Week 4's battle against the Los Angeles Rams.
As the team heads into October, Davis has one hurry and one pressure so far, after consistently applying heat on quarterbacks while helping anchor the run phase all last season. His interior counterpart, Carter, showed a few flashes against Chicago in Week 3, including a momentous goal-line counter-stop in the second quarter. Still, with such vast potential to dominate as a duo, the tandem must step up. As he showed last season, Davis can help lead the way for this group, and the time to do so is now.
Without a legitimate, consistent push up front, this defense got torched in the Windy City. Now Davis has to help right the ship with a return to dominance in Week 4. The towering presence is a first-time captain, and he's worked tirelessly in his NFL career thus far to cement his status as a force up front. In times like these, when leaders have to lead their teammates with confidence and determination, Davis is fully capable of doing so.
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The effort is there, but the results lag. All that can change quickly, though. Look for Davis to answer the call in the coming weeks, starting with a strong performance against the dangerous Rams offense.
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