The Philadelphia Eagles powered through their Wild Card matchup with a methodical win over the Green Bay Packers. It wasn’t the flashiest game, but this team’s deep-run potential was fully displayed. However, no game is without its imperfections.
While the victory set the pace for the rest of the playoffs, it also revealed areas that need immediate focus and improvement. Let's explore both sides of the coin as Philly eyes a date with the NFC West-winning Los Angeles Rams.
Reasons for optimism about the Eagles chances
Rest easy Eagles fans. There's a lot to be happy with in terms of where the Eagles are currently.
1. Establishing the tone as early as possible.
The Eagles couldn’t have asked for a better start. During the opening kickoff, Oren Burks’ crushing hit on Green Bay’s Keisean Nixon forced a fumble, setting the stage for an early lead. Jalen Hurts capitalized with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson just three plays later, giving Philadelphia all the momentum they’d need to control the game.
2. Dallas Goedert ran angry… really angry.
Dallas Goedert’s ferocious 24-yard touchdown in the third quarter became an instant highlight. The tight end stiff-armed his way past multiple Packers defenders, pushing the Eagles’ lead to 16-3 and electrifying the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field.
3. Vic Fangio’s defense continues to prove itself.
The Eagles’ defense showed—without a doubt— why it finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in the NFL. Darius Slay, Zack Baun, and Quinyon Mitchell all hauled in interceptions. Philly forced a fumble on the game's opening kickoff. Relentless pressure on Jordan Love helped neutralize Green Bay’s offense and spearhead a victory.
4. Nolan Smith finds his groove.
Nolan Smith delivered one of his best performances of the season, recording seven tackles, two sacks, and two quarterback hits. With Green Bay focused on Josh Sweat and Jalen Carter, Smith capitalized on his opportunities and cemented his status as one of the most improved players on the roster.
5. Jalen Hurts appears to have shaken off post-concussion rust.
Jalen Hurts, returning from a late-season concussion, wasn’t at his sharpest, but he got the job done. Despite some early struggles, Hurts finished strong, completing seven of his final eight passes, including a spectacular TD to Goedert. The Birds’ leader looked healthy and confident—two key factors for a deep playoff run.
The Eagles top areas of concern.
1. Nakobe Dean is done for the season, leaving big shoes to fill at linebacker.
The Eagles defensive signal-caller, Nakobe Dean, suffered a torn patellar tendon in the second quarter. Losing Dean is a massive blow for Philadelphia, and his absence was felt immediately. Oren Burks filled in admirably, but All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun and the rest of the defense will look to find that extra gear moving forward.
2. Third down woes could become costly when it matters most.
Philadelphia’s offense struggled on third downs, converting just 2 of 11 attempts (18.2%). This inefficiency could spell trouble against tougher competition in the next round. Nick Sirianni acknowledged the issue postgame, emphasizing the need for better execution moving forward.
Philly’s postseason path forward.
With their first playoff win in the books, the Eagles will host a Divisional round matchup next Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. With a hot Los Angeles Rams team on the horizon, Philadelphia will need to utilize the whole toolbox to advance deeper into the postseason.
But to reach their ultimate goal, they’ll need to clean up their offensive struggles and have the defense step up in Dean’s absence. As Dallas Goedert said postgame: “I’m not ready to go home.” The Eagles faithful aren’t either.