Eagles Defense Delivers Historic Beatdown, Fangio Keeps Foot on the Gas
PHILADELPHIA - It didn’t matter who lined up across from them - the Eagles’ defense wasn’t just dominant, it was downright historic. In a 60-minute clinic against a struggling Raiders offense, Vic Fangio’s unit allowed just 75 total yards, the fewest by an Eagles defense since 1955. That’s not just a good day at the office - that’s a statement performance.
The Raiders, who came in with only two wins on the season, never had a chance. From the opening snap, the Eagles suffocated the run game, blanketed receivers, and harassed quarterback Kenny Pickett into a long afternoon. And while it’s easy to dismiss the effort based on the opponent, Fangio and his crew did exactly what good defenses are supposed to do against overmatched teams - they dominated every phase.
Fangio’s Formula: Communication and Consistency
Fangio’s fingerprints were all over this one. His defense played with discipline, communicated like a veteran unit, and executed with precision. It wasn’t just about raw talent - it was about being in the right place, doing the right thing, and doing it together.
“This kind of performance doesn’t happen often,” Fangio said. And he’s right.
In today’s NFL, holding any team to under 100 yards is rare. Holding them to 75?
That’s practically unheard of.
The Raiders converted just 3-of-12 third downs, averaged 1.8 yards per play, and managed only seven first downs. The Eagles controlled the ball for nearly 40 minutes, giving the defense plenty of rest - and the offense plenty of credit.
“They moved the ball, got the run game going,” Fangio said. “Anytime you get a game like that, it’s usually the whole team contributes, but the guys really played well.”
Safety Shuffle: Marcus Epps Steps Up
With rookie safety Drew Mukuba sidelined since Week 12 with a fractured ankle, the Eagles turned to veteran Marcus Epps - and so far, he’s delivered. Fangio praised Epps for his instincts and experience, and in two starts, Epps has brought stability to the back end of the defense.
Mukuba, who was placed on injured reserve back on November 26, is technically eligible to return next week. But Fangio made it clear that’s not happening anytime soon.
“He might be eligible to come off, but he isn’t coming off,” Fangio said.
So for now, it’s Epps and Reed Blankenship holding down the safety spots, with third-year pro Sydney Brown in the mix. Veteran Michael Carter offers some versatility, and Andre’ Sam remains on the practice squad, though he's out of standard elevations.
Brandon Graham’s New Role?
At 37, Brandon Graham continues to find ways to contribute - and Fangio might have found a new wrinkle for the longtime Eagle. With Jalen Carter sidelined, Graham kicked inside against the Chargers and played 30 snaps at defensive tackle. He followed that up with just seven snaps against the Raiders, but made them count - notching two sacks on Pickett.
“He’s done a good job in there,” Fangio said. “We didn’t have a lot of plays last week, but we’re confident and comfortable playing him in there.”
Will this be a full-time shift? Not necessarily. Fangio left the door open for Graham to float between inside and outside depending on the matchup and Carter’s availability.
“We’ll see,” Fangio added. “I think he’ll float back and forth.”
Nolan Smith Off the Pitch Count
After working his way back from a triceps injury, Nolan Smith looks like he’s finally full-go - and the Eagles are reaping the rewards. Smith logged 26 snaps against the Raiders, part of a near-even rotation with Jaelan Phillips (30 snaps) and Jalyx Hunt (25).
Smith made his presence felt, racking up two tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit. That’s the kind of impact the Eagles envisioned when they drafted him - and now that the pitch count is gone, he’s trending toward a strong finish.
“I don’t think the pitch count’s there anymore,” Fangio said. “We’ve been rolling him, Jalyx and J.P.
I think every week, he gets a little better. He is getting better and more comfortable, and I think he’s back to where he was.”
If Smith continues to build momentum, the Eagles will have one of the most athletic and versatile pass-rushing trios in the league heading into the final stretch.
Injury Report and Practice Update
With frigid temperatures and frozen practice fields at NovaCare, the Eagles shifted their Wednesday session to Lincoln Financial Field. Several key players were sidelined, including:
- DT Jalen Carter (shoulders)
- G Landon Dickerson (calf)
- T Fred Johnson (ankle) - observed practice from the bench
- T Lane Johnson (foot)
With Dickerson and Fred Johnson out, the offensive line shuffled to: LT Jordan Mailata, LG Brett Toth, C Cam Jurgens, RG Tyler Steen, RT Matt Pryor.
Tuesday’s walkthrough listed several others as non-participants, including Saquon Barkley (stinger) and TE Cameron Latu (stinger). Tank Bigsby (illness) was limited, while Jaelan Phillips, Zack Baun, and Cameron Williams were full participants.
The official injury report will provide more clarity, but the Eagles are clearly managing some bumps and bruises as the season winds down.
Final Word
This was more than just a win - it was a reminder of what this Eagles defense can be when everything clicks. Yes, the Raiders are in rebuild mode, but the Eagles didn’t play down to their competition. They played like a team with playoff aspirations and a defense that’s rounding into form at the right time.
Fangio’s group is getting healthier, more cohesive, and more dangerous - and if Sunday was any indication, they’re ready to make some noise down the stretch.