Philadelphia Eagles

Why Eagles’ last defensive drive showed why they need a player on IR to return as soon as possible

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs with the ball during Sunday’s game against the Eagles.(AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
The Eagles’ edge rushers have held their own since defensive end Bryce Huff was placed on injured reserve Nov. 26 following surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist. During that span, defensive end Josh Sweat and linebackers Nolan Smith and Jaylx Hunt combined for 3.5 sacks, forcing opposing quarterbacks to release the ball quickly. However, that was not the case in the second half of Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
Smith recorded a sack in the first quarter, but the Eagles’ pass rush faltered after Sweat suffered an ankle injury, forcing him to miss a significant number of snaps before later returning to the game. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels capitalized on the diminished pressure, especially during the final drive when he evaded rushers and methodically moving the ball downfield. Daniels’ effort culminated in a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jamison Crowder, securing the Commanders’ 36-33 victory.
Already thin at the position after defensive end Brandon Graham was placed on injured reserve with a triceps injury, the Eagles will need Huff, who they signed to a three-year, $51.1 million contract this offseason, to be the impactful player they envisioned when signing him this offseason. Not only will he need to pressure opposing quarterbacks, but his presence should also help give much-needed rest to other edge rushers dealing with the wear and tear of the season.

The Eagles have managed a three-man edge rotation since Huff’s absence, a strategy that has mostly worked—highlighted by a strong showing against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where the defense was on the field for just 41 snaps. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio expressed confidence in the approach during his availability last Tuesday.

“I’ve seen it done personally,” Fangio said. “There’s no reason why you can’t.”

But the plan unraveled with Sweat sidelined, forcing Fangio to turn to defensive end Charles Harris. Claimed off waivers from the Carolina Panthers the same day Huff went on injured reserve, Harris had been sparingly used before Sunday, appearing in just four snaps against the Panthers and none against the Steelers. Against the Commanders, Harris failed to register a sack or a tackle. Once Huff returns, it should lead to more production, with four capable players providing pressure with the push from the defensive tackles.

Before his injury, Huff had 2.5 sacks, three hurries, and eight pressures—numbers below the pace of the 10 sacks he posted last season with the Jets. However, he had been improving, notably incorporating a four-point stance to enhance his explosiveness off the snap.

After injuring his wrist before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Huff played with limited effectiveness, relying on just one good hand for pass rushing. With the injury addressed, the Eagles hope Huff can deliver quality snaps, allowing for better rotation among edge rushers and helping the team avoid late-game lapses like Sunday’s.

“I was trying to progress and find ways to use my hand, but it got to the point where I really couldn’t,” Huff told reporters Friday. “I figured I might as well get the surgery done to get back in time for the end of the season and the postseason.”

Huff is currently within his 21-day practice window and could return as early as next Sunday afternoon when the Eagles face the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. In the Week 10 matchup against the Cowboys, Huff had his best game of the season, recording a sack, a hurry, and a tackle while holding his own against the run. A similar performance, combined with a well-rested Smith, could mean added pressure on Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush from the left side of the defensive line.

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