Week 9 is a make-or-break moment for the Philadelphia Eagles' 2026 season, as they face their NFC East rivals, the New York Giants.
The Eagles are 2-6 and on the verge of being eliminated from playoff contention if they pull off a big upset. New York is 4-2-1, coming off a bye, and leading the NFC East, with everything going their way.
One major issue for this Eagles team is its lack of defensive support, even though the offense is the worst-ranked unit in the NFL. Edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr. feels like the only man who can help the Eagles with their biggest problem right now.
Nolan Smith Jr. is off to good start to Eagles' 2026 season
In the offseason, the Eagles exercised Smith's fifth-year option on his rookie deal to keep him on the roster. A few months later, he made a mistake off the field when he was arrested for excessive speeding and reckless driving.
Smith faced a lot of pressure entering the 2026 season after his off-field mistake and a struggle in 2025, with three sacks and four missed games due to injury. He has more than made up for it this season.
In seven games, Smith has racked up 18 pressures, 15 tackles, 13 hurries, five quarterback hits, five tackles for loss, four sacks, and one pass deflection. Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 65, ranking 58th out of 111 edge rushers. He also got a PFF pass-rush grade of 67.2 (ranked 36th) and a run-defense grade of 62.8 (ranked 58th).
He is poised for his career-best season and has shown he is the versatile, athletic edge rusher Eagles fans saw in 2024. With this season being a bounce-back year for Smith, it arrives at the right time when there isn't as much help elsewhere at edge rusher.
Eagles need Nolan Smith Jr. to carry them in Week 9 after lackluster season
This Philly defense has remained one of the NFL's most disappointing units in 2026, and it's mind-boggling how much they have struggled. The Eagles have the second-fewest sacks in the league, with 10.
Yep, Smith contributes to 40% of the Eagles' sacks in 2026. That's not good.
Eagles want to know the worst part? Smith is the only edge rusher with a sack this season. Jalen Carter has four, Jihaad Campbell has one, and Jordan and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. each have a half-sack.
Philly traded two third-round picks and paid Jonathan Greenard $98 million to have zero sacks. Even Jalyx Hunt, who was supposed to have a breakout 2026 season, hasn't gotten a single sack either. Greenard has been hurt all season, while Hunt has battled a knee/ankle injury since the Jaguars game.
That said, Smith is the only one the Eagles can rely on to make plays off the edge, and he will be a key player against the Giants. New York has allowed the third-most sacks in the NFL this season, with 21, so that's where Philly can win the game if they are smart about it.
Read more: Quinyon Mitchell is quietly dominating despite the Eagles' nightmare season
Smith needs to have the game of his life if the Eagles want any shot at making the playoffs. He can do it, and he has a clear opportunity to put in an impressive performance against a Giants offensive line that allows too many sacks. It's now or never for the Eagles, and Smith will have to deliver a heroic performance.
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