Divisional games always come down to toughness and execution -- and as the Eagles host the New York Giants in Week 8, that theme couldn’t be clearer.
The Giants’ offense under rookie signal-caller Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo has leaned on physicality and balance, testing defenses between the tackles before taking shots through the air.
For the Eagles, it's where rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell, Philadelphia’s first-round pick back in April, comes into focus as one of the most important players on the field in Week 8.
Jihaad Campbell could be a difference maker for this Eagles team vs. Giants
Through the first half of his rookie season, Campbell has already shown why the Eagles invested early draft capital in him. He’s fast, rangy, and instinctive -- a modern linebacker who can thrive in traffic or chase plays sideline to sideline.
Against a Giants team that wants to establish Skattebo early, Campbell’s ability to read and react in the box will be critical. Skattebo is an old-school type of runner, a 215-pound battering ram who thrives on contact and wears down defenders over four quarters.
For the Eagles, however, Campbell’s physicality and willingness to meet backs head-on give Philadelphia a shot to control the tone up front.
What pops on tape about Campbell’s game is his explosiveness in space.
He triggers quickly once he diagnoses the play, knifing through gaps before blockers can climb to the second level. It's the type of burst that allows him to blow up inside runs before they develop and keep Skattebo from grinding out consistent yardage.
And when the Giants inevitably turn to play action -- where Dart has been comfortable --Campbell’s awareness and short-area quickness make him an asset in coverage and in pursuit.
His coverage ability has been a quiet strength so far. Campbell can match up with tight ends down the seam, mirror them in short zones, and break on the football with burst. Against a young quarterback like Dart, who’s still learning to manipulate second-level defenders, Campbell’s presence in coverage could easily bait a mistake or two.
The Giants didn't test Campbell in coverage just two weeks ago when New York doubled up the Eagles in primetime, but scheme changes will be present, and the Eagles will count on him to erase those quick-hitting crossers and leak routes that New York’s offense loves to use to keep Dart in rhythm.
Campbell will also remain a huge impact player in containing the edges, an area the Giants dominated in Week 6. The Giants often roll Dart out on boots and sprint-outs, trying to get him comfortable outside the pocket.
For Campbell, his range provides the Eagles a weapon to counter those concepts. If he can close off Dart’s escape lanes and force him to reset inside, Philadelphia’s pass rush will have opportunities to finish plays.
Read more: Eagles Rookie Report: How each draft pick has performed through Week 7
Ultimately, the matchup will be defined by how physical the Eagles’ front seven can be -- and Campbell remains right in the center of that identity. If he can stonewall Skattebo early and force the Giants into long down-and-distance situations, it’ll allow the Eagles dictate tempo for 60 minutes.