When linebacker Nakobe Dean suffered a significant knee injury during the Philadelphia Eagles’ wild-card win over the Green Bay Packers, it marked a pivotal moment for the team’s defense. Dean, who had an outstanding season as a full-time starter, is now sidelined with a torn patellar tendon, leaving a considerable void for the Eagles as they continue their playoff run. In his absence, veteran Oren Burks stepped in, playing 36 snaps after Dean’s departure. However, rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr. did not see any defensive action during that game.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio hinted that changes could be on the horizon as the Eagles prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round. Fangio revealed plans to incorporate Trotter into the defensive lineup, stating, “We’ll probably get Trott some playing time. We’re not afraid to put him in there.” This decision comes as the team grapples with balancing defensive responsibilities and special teams duties. Both Burks and Trotter have been key contributors on special teams, ranking second and third in snaps, respectively.
Burks, a former third-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2018, brings experience with 17 career starts and over 1,100 defensive snaps. However, his performance in the wild-card game raised concerns, as Packers quarterback Jordan Love targeted him five times, completing every pass for 62 yards and a 118.3 passer rating. Burks also missed three tackles, highlighting the challenges of stepping into a starting role mid-game.
On the other hand, Trotter, a fifth-round rookie and son of Eagles legend Jeremiah Trotter, has shown flashes of potential in limited opportunities. In the final game of the regular season against the New York Giants, Trotter recorded 11 tackles, half a sack, and a quarterback hit. He also recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff of the wild-card game, a play initiated by Burks. Fangio praised Trotter’s instincts, athleticism, and intelligence, noting that his future with the team could begin now.
The Eagles face a complex decision in managing their linebacker rotation. Fangio emphasized the importance of maintaining player endurance, especially given Burks and Trotter’s heavy involvement on special teams. The defensive strategy may involve alternating the two players based on game flow to ensure sustained performance.
Despite these adjustments, Dean’s absence is a significant blow to the Eagles’ defense. Dean ranked 14th in coverage among linebackers this season and was a leader on the field, making defensive calls and contributing with nine tackles for loss, three sacks, and 128 total tackles. Fangio acknowledged Dean’s impact, saying, “He’s really played good for us this year. We’re going to miss him a ton.”
As the Eagles advance deeper into the postseason, all eyes will be on how Burks and Trotter step up to fill the void left by Dean’s injury. Their performance could play a pivotal role in determining the team’s success in the playoffs.
