The Eagles may be headed into Week 4 with a linebacker pairing nobody expected a few weeks ago: Jihaad Campbell and Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Zack Baun remains in concussion protocol and has not practiced, and the timing could not be much worse for Philadelphia. The team is coming off a 27-7 loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday night, and the short week leaves little room for Baun to clear protocol in time for the matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. If that happens, Campbell and Trotter would be the next men up in the starting lineup.
On paper, that sounds like a problem. In practice, it might be a combination that at least has a chance to hold together.
Campbell’s coverage has been an issue. According to Eagles On SI’s Jeff Kerr, he has allowed 10 of 12 passes thrown his way to be completed for 128 yards and one touchdown, with a passer rating of 138.9. That is not the kind of production you want from an inside linebacker.
Still, Campbell has brought something useful through three games: production against the run and around the ball. He leads the team with 28 tackles and has shown strong instincts for locating the ball carrier and finishing plays.
Trotter could be the piece that makes the pairing more workable. In the preseason, he flashed many of the same instincts Campbell has shown and was arguably the Eagles’ best defensive player in August. The bigger question is whether he can handle the coverage duties that come with the job.
There is reason to think he can manage it for a week. Trotter is a smart player who has climbed the depth chart over time, and if he stays locked in this week, he could be serviceable in Baun’s place.
Vic Fangio should also be able to help both linebackers by keeping them out of the most dangerous coverage spots. That could mean leaning on Cooper DeJean in the slot or getting more help from the safeties. The safety play has been shaky through three weeks, but with Kenny Moore now in the picture, Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, and Michael Carter II have more pressure to step up, and the hope is that the group starts to settle in.
The Rams will be a serious test regardless of the record. At 1-2, they still profile as one of the NFL’s tougher teams, and this game should reveal plenty about where Campbell and Trotter stand in the defense. For Trotter, especially, it is another chance to show he deserves more time on the field.
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For an offense that has been easing Lemon along, the timing could not be better. Sean Mannion has already shown confidence in the rookies development and believes he can handle a larger role, and now the Eagles may need him to do exactly that when the workload opens up. It is the kind of chance young receivers wait for, especially on a roster that has a clear need in the passing game and a game on the calendar that could push Lemon into the spotlight sooner than expected. [Read more 🡒]