The Eagles Have a Super Bowl Defense
Dec 28, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips (50) sacks Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) and forces a fumble during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
After the Philadelphia Eagles’ 13-12 victory against the Buffalo Bills, there is really one takeaway from that game: the Eagles have a Super Bowl-caliber defense.
While the offense played great in the NFC Championship and Super Bowl last season, a major reason why the Eagles finished last season on top was their defense. In the Super Bowl, they famously sacked Patrick Mahomes six times in that game. In the playoff games, the Eagles’ defense allowed just 19.25 points per game, while finishing the regular season as the NFL’s number one-ranked defense. The defense at points bailed the offense out, with the offense making some plays when it mattered. As they say, defense wins championships.
While there is skepticism about whether the Eagles have the offense to repeat as champions, it is becoming very clear that they have the defense. The Eagles held the number one rushing attack in the NFL to just 120 yards rushing, far below their average of 158.9. They also limited last year’s MVP, Josh Allen, to 211 net passing yards, while sacking him 5 times. They also held the Bills to a season low of 12 points.
“We have a lot of fun out there on the field,” Cooper DeJean said postgame when asked by Devan Kaney of 94.1 WIP what the vibe of the defense is. “A lot of smiling, a lot of laughing, but a lot of focus too.”
The defense definitely seems like a group that is playing together as a unit, and it has been paying off.
This has been a theme for the Eagles as they are averaging just 14.5 points per game allowed since week 10, when Jaelan Phillips arrived, according to Jeff Kerr of Philly Corner Cover. That is first in the NFL. Going into the season, the defensive line was considered to be the biggest weakness on the Eagles team, as they lost both Milton Williams and Josh Sweat. Amazingly, the defensive line has turned into one of this team’s biggest strengths.
Howie Roseman saw a hole that needed to be filled, and while he paid a high price, he is getting a great return on his investment with Phillips. Since joining the Eagles in week 10, he has transformed this line. While he has only two sacks, he has been disruptive, getting to the quarterback, and has allowed other players on the defensive line to shine. One of those players is Jalyx Hunt. Hunt has taken off in his second year in the league. Hunt has recorded 6.5 sacks, 26 solo tackles, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. He has quickly become the Eagles’ best pass rusher, and he still has lots to learn.
While there are some high-powered offenses in the NFC playoffs, the Eagles have already proven that they can slow down most of them. After that performance today, and their play since trading for Phillips, it’s hard to not feel good about the Eagles’ chances of repeating as Super Bowl champions. Let’s just hope the offense finds its way in the playoffs like it did last year.
Sam Heine
Sam has been with Philly Sports Reports since 2022. He is a contributor for both the Eagles and the 76ers. Sam is hoping to pursue a full-time job in sports in the future.
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