After a few rough outings in early October that raised concerns about their ultimate ceiling, the Philadelphia Eagles are back and looking better than ever. Currently sitting in first place in the NFC at 6-2, they hold a commanding 2.5-game lead in the NFC East after all three of their division rivals lost during their Week 9 bye.

### Reinforcements Arrive

The best part? Reinforcements have arrived. General manager Howie Roseman has been busy on the phone lines, adding not one, not two, but three new players to the roster who should help fortify positions of weakness down the stretch.

First up is Michael Carter II, the Joe Douglas-drafted slot cornerback out of Duke. Carter was once considered one of the very best interior defenders in the league under Robert Saleh before falling out of favor after Saleh’s departure. Appearing in just five games with four starts in 2025, Carter struggled in coverage on one of the worst defenses in football, making his acquisition an easy yes for Eagles executive Darren Mougey.

Next, the Eagles brought in Jaire Alexander, who was once considered a premier talent at his position. However, injuries piled up, rendering him more of a non-factor for the Baltimore Ravens after signing with them earlier this year. Alexander has expressed enthusiasm about providing veteran leadership to a defense in need and has highlighted his Philadelphia credentials. Still, his impact will depend heavily on his ability to keep up with his assignments on the perimeter.

Lastly, Philadelphia landed the cherry on top with Jaelan Phillips, a former UCLA and Miami edge rusher the Eagles were linked to during the 2021 NFL Draft. At that time, the Dolphins took Phillips off the board at pick 18, while Philadelphia traded up to select DeVonta Smith. Phillips comes with experience playing under Vic Fangio, boasts an impressive arsenal of pass-rushing moves, and has already declared that the trade to the Eagles was “literally the greatest thing that has happened to me in my whole life.” If he can produce at a high level, Phillips is poised to become an all-time fan favorite.

### Impact Alongside Brandon Graham

Will Alexander, Carter II, and Phillips make an immediate impact alongside veteran Brandon Graham, who is expected to make his 2025 debut for the Birds? Only time will tell. With the Eagles heading to Green Bay for a rematch of Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, the stage is set for a legitimate measuring-stick game. This Week 10 matchup could not only determine the top seed in the NFC but might also have serious seeding ramifications down the stretch.

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### Secondary Challenges: Alexander and Carter II Set to Play

Heading into Week 10, the Eagles’ secondary has seen better days. While cornerbacks Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell remain healthy and form the best young 1-2 punch the Eagles have had in years, significant challenges persist. Safety Marcus Epps was recently placed on injured reserve, Adoree’ Jackson remains sidelined with a concussion, and Jakorian Bennett is still recovering from a pectoral injury. On top of that, Kelee Ringo has struggled in recent games.

This confluence of issues positions both Jaire Alexander and Michael Carter II to potentially take on key roles much sooner than Fangio would ideally like. The defensive coordinator prefers to give new acquisitions time to acclimate to his scheme, as was the case with DeJean last year and Andrew Mukuba this season. However, Za’Darius Smith’s immediate impact shows that some players can contribute right away.

While it’s unlikely either Alexander or Carter II will know the entire defensive playbook by Monday Night Football, Alexander’s role as a perimeter cornerback involves fewer situational options—deep zone, shallow zone, man coverage—which could allow a veteran with 87 NFL games under his belt to make meaningful contributions if Ringo falters.

Carter II seems destined to play in defensive sub-packages—either as the primary slot cornerback with DeJean outside, as the dime cornerback, or as a hybrid cornerback/safety covering smaller internal options like tight ends or running backs.

Ultimately, the Eagles need better cornerback play, and Alexander and Carter II appear ready to provide immediate help.

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### Edge Rushers Jaelan Phillips and Brandon Graham Make Their Mark

Much like the secondary, the Eagles’ edge rushing group is still a work in progress. Azeez Ojulari and Ogbo Okoronkwo remain on injured reserve, while Nolan Smith is working his way back with his 21-day practice window now open.

Fortunately, the Eagles have two new outside linebackers—Phillips and Graham—set to play a significant role in Week 10 alongside Josh Uche, Jalyx Hunt, and Patrick Johnson (assuming he is elevated from the practice squad).

Brandon Graham should find it easier to contribute, as he is one of the most experienced rushers in the NFL. Last season under Fangio, Graham played well, recording 20 tackles, six tackles for loss, seven QB hits, and 3.5 sacks across 311 snaps. With his versatility to rush from inside or outside, Graham is poised to impact the game—especially if Moro Ojomo is limited due to lingering concussion symptoms.

Jaelan Phillips, who played under Fangio in Miami two years ago, has also shown promise. The 26-year-old edge rusher has impressed in both run defense and pass rushing, although it may take time for him to become a full-time starter opposite Nolan Smith. Still, don’t be surprised if Phillips and Graham are frequent visitors in the Packers’ backfield, pressuring quarterback Jordan Love, who has already been sacked 11 times in 2025.

If Eagles linemen Aaron Banks and Zach Tom are unavailable in Week 10, the defensive line—especially the newest additions—could have a field day against Green Bay’s offensive front.

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### Brazil All Over Again: Eagles Look to Repeat Success Over Packers

In 2024, the Eagles and Packers faced off in Brazil in a game many considered a preview of the NFC Championship. Both teams, evenly matched and brimming with potential, battled fiercely, but the Eagles secured a relatively easy win. Riding that momentum—despite a few bumps along the way—they went on to claim the Super Bowl title.

In 2025, will Philadelphia do the same?

All signs point to yes. The Eagles have strengthened their roster, addressed key weaknesses, and look primed to deliver another victory against Green Bay. The Week 10 rematch could very well serve as a pivotal moment for the Birds’ playoff positioning and aspirations.

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Stay tuned as the Philadelphia Eagles continue their pursuit of greatness this season. With new weapons on defense and a solid foundation, the road ahead looks brighter than ever.
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