The Eagles clinched their first back-to-back NFC East title in over two decades with a win over Washington, and while the final score might suggest a tight contest, this game was anything but. Philadelphia controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, dominating on both sides of the ball and emptying the bench by the fourth quarter.
It was the kind of performance that reminded fans why this team is considered one of the NFC’s most complete squads. And perhaps most encouraging?
The rookies - who’d been quiet in recent weeks - finally made their presence felt.
Jihaad Campbell: B+
Let’s start with Jihaad Campbell, who stepped into a much larger role after Nakobe Dean exited with a hamstring injury. With Dean sidelined and Jaelan Phillips already in the mix, Campbell had to prove he could handle the pressure - and he delivered.
Campbell looked right at home at inside linebacker, showing off his range and instincts. He was active in both the run and pass game, tracking down ball carriers and staying disciplined in coverage. On one rep, he even flashed as a pass rusher, showing the kind of versatility that makes defensive coordinators smile.
The difference in Campbell’s play was noticeable with the increased snap count. When he’s on the field for 30+ plays, you see the full picture - the athleticism, the football IQ, the ability to impact multiple phases of the defense.
If Dean’s injury lingers, the Eagles can feel confident handing the keys to Campbell. He’s not just a stopgap - he looks like a real contributor.
Ty Robinson: Holding His Ground
Ty Robinson didn’t see much action, but when he did get on the field at defensive tackle, he looked far more comfortable than he did during the preseason. That’s progress. He held his ground in limited snaps and didn’t look overwhelmed - a small step forward, but a meaningful one for a young player trying to carve out a role on a deep defensive line.
Smael Mondon Jr.: Late-Game Reps
Smael Mondon Jr. got some run late in the game, and while it wasn’t enough to draw sweeping conclusions, it’s always good to get rookies live reps in real games. Even in garbage time, those moments matter for development.
Darius Cooper: Quiet but Physical
Darius Cooper continues to operate as the team’s fourth wide receiver, but his biggest contributions have come without the ball in his hands. He’s been a willing and effective run blocker - a trait that doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet but earns respect in the locker room. Cooper also found himself in the middle of a late-game scuffle, showing he’s not afraid to mix it up when things get chippy.
This was a statement win for the Eagles, not just because they locked up the division, but because it showcased the depth of their roster. Veterans handled business early, and the rookies closed the door. That’s the kind of team effort that wins in December - and potentially deep into January.