Eagles Defense Dominates in Statement Shutout Over Raiders
The Philadelphia Eagles got their offensive rhythm back in Week 15, but let’s be honest-this game was all about the defense. In a 31-0 dismantling of the Las Vegas Raiders, the Eagles' defense didn’t just show up-they completely took over.
Las Vegas, led by former Eagles backup quarterback Kenny Pickett, managed just 75 total yards of offense. That’s not a typo.
Seventy-five. It was the Raiders’ lowest offensive output in over six decades, and they looked every bit as outmatched as that stat suggests.
They picked up only seven first downs, converted a mere three third downs, and threw a pick for good measure. The Eagles defense didn’t just keep them out of the end zone-they barely let them cross midfield.
After the game, head coach Nick Sirianni gave credit where it was due. While he praised Jalen Hurts and the offense for bouncing back, he made sure to highlight what his defense accomplished.
“We were able to stop the run and get them in pass situations, and then we were able to get after the quarterback,” Sirianni said. “Really good team defense.
BG was the first one to say it-sacks don’t happen without great coverage in the secondary. So it was just great team defense by the entire crew.
Vic did a great job, and the coaches did a good job preparing them and putting them in positions to succeed, and our guys executed.”
A Defense That’s Been Holding the Line
This wasn’t a one-off performance. While the Eagles have gone 3-3 since their bye week, the defense has quietly been the most consistent part of the team.
In fact, they’ve held three of their last six opponents under 10 points-including two of the league’s most explosive offenses in Green Bay and Detroit. That’s not just solid-it’s elite.
Statistically, the Eagles now rank sixth in the NFL in points allowed per game (19.4) and 10th in pass defense (196.7 yards per game). And perhaps most encouraging?
The pass rush, which was a concern early in the season, is finally coming alive. Philly has racked up 11 sacks over the past two games-against the Chargers and Raiders-and they did it without their top defensive lineman, Jalen Carter, in the starting lineup.
That’s the kind of depth teams dream about heading into the postseason.
Young Guns and Veteran Grit
The Eagles’ front seven is starting to hit its stride thanks to a mix of young talent and savvy veterans. Jaelan Phillips has been a major addition, but it’s the younger guys who are really stepping into the spotlight.
Jordan Davis is asserting himself in the trenches. Moro Ojomo and Jalyx Hunt are making their presence felt.
Nolan Smith is flashing the speed and instincts that made him a first-round pick.
And then there’s Brandon Graham. The veteran pass rusher came out of retirement and looked like he never left, notching two sacks against the Raiders. It’s the kind of performance that fires up a locker room and reminds everyone what’s at stake.
Secondary Finds Its Swagger
On the back end, the secondary has been quietly locking things down. Adoree' Jackson has turned it up over the last two weeks, and Marcus Epps has stepped in admirably for Andrew Mukuba at safety. The Eagles’ young trio of Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Reed Blankenship continues to play with confidence and poise beyond their years.
That group has been critical in allowing the front seven to get home. As Brandon Graham pointed out, sacks don’t happen without tight coverage-and this secondary is giving quarterbacks nowhere to go.
Linebackers Bringing the Heat
The linebacker unit has also seen a shakeup-with a clear leader emerging. Nakobe Dean has become one of the most dangerous blitzing linebackers in the league. His ability to time pressures and disrupt the backfield has not only made life easier for the defensive line, but it’s also cut into the playing time of rookie standout Jihaad Campbell, who had been a bright spot earlier this season.
Zack Baun may not be matching his 2024 numbers, but he came up big with an interception against the Raiders-another example of this defense making plays at every level.
Fangio’s Fingerprints Are All Over This
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio deserves a ton of credit for the way this group has evolved. Early in the season, the pass rush was inconsistent, and the secondary had communication issues.
But Fangio has steadied the ship, simplified the scheme where needed, and put his players in spots to succeed. Now, we’re seeing the results.
This is a defense that’s peaking at the right time, and if they can keep this level of play going into January, they’re going to be a serious problem for anyone standing in their way.
The Eagles have been through their ups and downs this season, but if this defense keeps showing up like this, they won’t just be in the playoffs-they’ll be a threat to run the table.