Nakobe Dean’s Return Forces Eagles to Adapt Jihaad Campbell’s Role
The Philadelphia Eagles find themselves in a unique position following the successful return of Nakobe Dean, their promising linebacker who missed seven games due to a serious patellar tendon injury. His comeback has prompted defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to make adjustments that impact rookie Jihaad Campbell, who started the season in Dean’s absence.
Navigating Roster Adjustments
Fangio is known for his cautious approach to integrating rookies into his defensive schemes. He typically avoids overburdening them with responsibilities, preferring to let them settle into their roles. This philosophy was evident last summer when he made sure to keep Quinyon Mitchell focused on one position after experimenting with him during training camp.
“We messed with him at nickel early in the off season, a little bit of camp,” Fangio recalled. “Once we put him at right corner, never moved him.”
This season, however, circumstances have compelled Fangio to rethink his strategy with Campbell. The Eagles traded up to select Campbell with the 31st overall pick, and he initially excelled as Dean’s replacement at inside linebacker. With Dean back in the mix, Fangio has had to get creative.
Finding a Spot for Campbell
“We’re mixing him, he’s playing some outside, playing some inside,” Fangio stated regarding Campbell’s evolving role. “Totally happy with his play at both spots and thrilled to have him.”
The return of Dean adds complexity to the linebacker corps, especially with the reintegration of Nolan Smith from injured reserve and the recent acquisition of Jaelan Phillips. Fangio acknowledged that moving Campbell to the outside presents a learning curve, particularly since he had been exclusively working as an inside linebacker during Dean’s absence.
“There is (an adjustment), particularly when we move him outside,” Fangio noted. “All camp and everything, he was strictly inside because we knew Nakobe was going to miss seven games or whatever it was. For a rookie, that’s tough.”
Campbell Embraces the Challenge
When asked about the midseason switch, Campbell remained undeterred. “I really wouldn’t look at it as like a crazy switch or anything,” he explained. “I played outside linebacker before; it’s just different in the league, of course, because you have bigger, stronger, faster guys. It’s all about learning and growing.”
He emphasized his commitment to harnessing his natural talents while adapting to the challenges of the NFL. “For me, it’s just growing and learning and still using the God-gifted ability, talent, and skill set and mindfulness that I have right now. Like I said, it’s why they brought me here. I have the opportunity, and I’m trying to take advantage of the opportunities given to me.”
Future Possibilities Remain Uncertain
As for Campbell’s long-term prospects as a full-time outside linebacker or edge rusher, Fangio remains cautious. “I like him as an ILB, but we’ll see. I just haven’t seen him enough out there, so I don’t know that I can give you an informed great answer on that.”
Campbell himself is focused on the immediate challenge ahead. “Who knows, we’ll see. Right now, I’m worried about winning,” he said. “We’re about to go against a hard-nosed football team. They’re going to want to come in here and take our stuff over. That’s not gonna happen. All I’m worried about right now is punching them in the mouth for 60 minutes.”
As the Eagles prepare to face their next opponent, Campbell’s adaptability will be crucial. The adjustments necessitated by Dean’s return illustrate the dynamic nature of the NFL, where flexibility and resilience can define a team’s success.
