Full Breakdown
Eagles Linebackers Shine in Victory Over Cowboys
9/6/2025, 2:47:31 PM
Key Performances from Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell
In the Philadelphia Eagles' 24-20 victory against the Dallas Cowboys, linebackers Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell showcased their potential as a formidable duo. Both players, noted for their versatility and athleticism, contributed significantly to the team's defensive efforts, with Baun leading the team with nine tackles and Campbell forcing a crucial fumble.
Baun's performance included a notable chase-down tackle of former Eagle Miles Sanders, where he reached a speed of 20.68 MPH, as recorded by NFL's NextGen Stats. Campbell, on the other hand, demonstrated his coverage skills by batting down a pass intended for tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford and effectively negating blocks to maintain positioning against ball carriers.
Official Statements & Responses
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni praised Baun's relentless effort, stating, "Zack had our team’s back right there... because then a couple plays go by and we force the fumble after that." Campbell echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure in coverage situations. "As Coach Vic says, 'Don't panic.' When you're in coverage, don't be swatting at the ball. Just stay calm," he noted.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the strong performances from Baun and Campbell, the Eagles' secondary faced challenges, particularly cornerback Adoree' Jackson, who struggled against Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb. Jackson's difficulties in coverage raised concerns about the team's defensive consistency, especially in high-pressure situations.
Impact on the Game
The contributions of Baun and Campbell were pivotal in the Eagles' defensive strategy, particularly during critical moments of the game. Their ability to disrupt plays and maintain coverage helped the Eagles secure a narrow victory, showcasing the potential for a strong linebacker corps moving forward.
What's Next
Looking ahead, the Eagles will aim to build on this performance as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The continued development of Baun and Campbell as starters will be crucial for the Eagles' defensive success in the coming weeks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He can cover some ground in the run game, in coverage. No surprise to me.” — Zack Baun
- “Once they motioned from 2-by-2 to 3-by-1, I have him vertical, and I took him,” — Jihaad Campbell
- “That was our message all week, relentless effort,” — Nick Sirianni
- “Zack had our team’s back right there. I mean that’s a seven-point tackle, really at the end of the day, is what it is, because then a couple plays go by and we force the fumble after that.” — Nick Sirianni
The Eagles' linebacker duo of Baun and Campbell has the potential to become one of the best in the NFL, and their performance against the Cowboys is a promising start to the season.
