‘Relentless, Nasty Linebacker’

PHILADELPHIA – Down four in the third quarter with the ball spotted at their own 40, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott seemed intent on best use of a fresh set of downs.

In his sights was second-year tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford, streaking down the middle of the field. Upon accepting the shotgun snap, Prescott proved decisive is his attempt to thread the pass between the safety and linebacker.

The problem was, Eagles rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell masterfully carried Spann-Ford down the field, providing plaster coverage. Safety Sydney Brown was also converging.

Showcasing instincts and range, Campbell timed his defense to perfection, raising his arm as the pass arrived to deny the completion. It was the kind of reactionary play that, dare we say, only the elite at the position come up with, underscoring Campbell’s diverse skill set and rapid development within a short window.

A student of the game, Campbell applied the lessons learned on the practice field and delivered in a big spot.

“We practice plays like that, so when the game comes, it just [naturally] comes easy, so I can just retaliate to the ball,” Campbell explained. “And like Coach Vic [Fangio] says, just be calm and don’t panic. And put your hand out there. And just do what I came here to do, and that’s just to really be a ballplayer, be a great teammate and execute my job the right way.”

LB Jihaad Campbell’s debut vs. the Cowboys went really well.

Former Eagles running back Miles Sanders would pick up 49 yards on the ensuing play – before being chased down from behind by fellow linebacker Zack Baun – but five plays later, Campbell was in on a play that ultimately proved to be the turning point.

Teaming with defensive tackle Byron Young, the defenders swarmed to the football, dislodging the ball from Sanders, returning possession to the Eagles’ offense.

In monitoring Campbell’s progress throughout the summer, the splash plays mounted with each practice. The Alabama product, wired to play an intense, physical brand of football, flashed urgency and a nose for the ball, attacking blocks with force when surging downhill while also demonstrating a flair for making plays in space.

The aggressiveness is part of his DNA, conjuring flashbacks of legendary greats. It’s also an element of the position emphasized by position coach Bobby King, coinciding with his directives on block destruction. But even for someone as well-versed as Campbell in block destruction, there’s always opportunities to fine-tune, which is where his progress under King’s tutelage is perhaps most evident.

“Really just, as a linebacker, we tend to get pad on pad with people,” he explained. “But more so, like, giving ’em like a good shock, a good pop, and finding the ball. Like, have a sense of urgency to get off the block. And have another sense of urgency to get to the ball.

“That’s what a relentless, nasty linebacker looks like. That’s what the standard is in our room. It’s not complicated, it’s really simple. It’s what we really go by.”

Campbell’s favorite line from King – “Never get pad on pad with anybody” – is a message Campbell has taken to heart. Known for playing with an edge, Campbell also acknowledged the need to play with controlled aggression, before citing his grasp on learning how to practice, be a pro and correctly execute.

But Campbell covered a lot of ground when pinpointing specific areas where he’s grown his game the past six weeks.

“My sense of urgency of playing football,” he began. “My eyes, my block destruction, everything that I feel as if I’m taking a step in. Am I there yet? No. I have a long way to go. But that’s the exciting and fun part about it. Why? Because that’s the process.

“That’s the journey that I’m on. And I’m so damn glad that I’m here to be around all these teammates and this great brotherhood, so I can keep on learning, I can keep on getting better, and I can keep on asking questions to really be the best version of myself that I can be each and every day.”

The 21-year-old pairs with Baun, an All Pro last season, to arm the Eagles with their most dynamic, explosive linebacking tandem in years. Both players, rangy and instinctive while offering pass-rush upside, ideally complement one another amid their developing chemistry.

The Eagles this weekend travel to Kansas City, squaring off against a prolific offense helmed by quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs’ offense is multiple, equipped with an RPO and boot game. Discipline and attention to detail will be paramount.

Simply stated, the visiting Eagles, as Campbell said, will need to be at their best.

In terms of the passing game, well, that still runs through veteran tight end Travis Kelce, who could make for a busy afternoon for Campbell. A savvy route-runner with a knack for finding the soft spots in coverage and using his frame for positioning, Kelce is expected to have Mahomes look his way often.

But the rookie Campbell knows what’ll be required to answer the bell and play to the elevated standard of his position room.

“Really just strategically working through Vic’s scheme and knowing what we have going in, so all of the communication factors are on point and I’m just playing up to the standard that I know I can play to,” he said. “And really just going out there, being relentless, cutting it loose, not thinking of nothing and playing ball like I know to play ball.”

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com