After three straight losses, the Philadelphia Eagles find themselves in unfamiliar territory - not just in the standings, but in the overall mood surrounding the team. What once looked like a cruise to the NFC East crown has turned into a tightrope walk with four weeks left in the regular season.
The playoff picture still favors Philly, thanks to a manageable schedule ahead, but the energy around this team has shifted. And while Jalen Hurts and the offense have taken most of the heat, it’s not like the defense - a group that was supposed to be the backbone - has been off the hook.
But amid the turbulence, one player has quietly flipped the script on his season - and maybe even on his career arc. Adoree' Jackson, once the target of early-season frustration, is now emerging as a key stabilizer in the Eagles’ secondary. And his turnaround couldn’t have come at a better time.
Adoree' Jackson: From Liability to Lockdown
When Jackson signed with the Eagles this offseason, expectations were high. He was immediately slotted in as a starting outside corner, and with that came the pressure of performing in a defense that prides itself on physicality and discipline.
But early on, it wasn’t pretty. Missed assignments, shaky coverage, and a general lack of confidence made Jackson a lightning rod for criticism.
Fans were calling for him to be benched in favor of younger options like Kelee Ringo or Jakorian Bennett. Once Michael Carter II arrived at the trade deadline, the calls for change only got louder.
But Vic Fangio and the Eagles’ coaching staff held firm. They didn’t flinch. And now, that patience is starting to look like a smart bet.
Jackson has responded with his best stretch of the season - and arguably his best in years. After a solid outing against the Bears in Week 13, he followed it up with a standout performance against the Chargers.
He recorded his first interception of the season and allowed a passer rating of just 30.4 when targeted - his lowest mark of the year. Pro Football Focus gave him a season-high defensive grade of 78.2, a metric that speaks to his impact not just in coverage, but across the board.
Even former Eagles star Darius Slay took notice, posting on X, “Adoree been playing damn good lately.” That’s not just a compliment - it’s a statement from a respected veteran who knows what elite cornerback play looks like.
With rumors swirling about a possible Slay-Eagles reunion, Jackson’s emergence could complicate that narrative. Nothing’s set in stone, but it’s worth watching.
A Secondary on the Rise
Jackson isn’t doing it alone. The Eagles’ cornerback room, once viewed as a potential weak spot, is now becoming a strength.
Rookies Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell continue to show why they were so highly regarded coming out of college. Both are playing with confidence and instincts that go beyond their years, and together with Jackson, they’ve helped turn the Eagles’ secondary into a quietly dominant unit.
Even in the midst of this three-game skid, the pass defense has held its own. In back-to-back games, they’ve held the Bears and Chargers to under 150 passing yards - a stat that would normally suggest a win.
But complementary football has been lacking. The offense hasn’t been able to capitalize, and the defense, while stout through the air, hasn’t been able to flip the field or generate the kind of momentum-swinging plays needed to seal games.
Looking Ahead
The Eagles are set to face the Las Vegas Raiders next, and once again, the defense - especially the secondary - will be leaned on heavily. If Jackson continues his upward trajectory and the young corners stay locked in, this group has the potential to be a real problem for opposing quarterbacks down the stretch.
For a team trying to steady the ship and reassert itself as a true contender, that’s exactly the kind of development you want to see. Adoree' Jackson may not have started the season as a fan favorite, but right now, he’s playing like someone the Eagles can’t afford to take off the field.