When Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell sacked Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel on the second snap of Saturday’s NFL preseason game, he admitted it felt pretty nice.
In his second preseason game, Campbell recorded his first sack while wearing an NFL uniform. On April 24, he was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft from Alabama to join the Eagles.
Despite the fact that the starting inside linebackers from the Eagles’ 2024 NFL championship squad will return for 2025, Philadelphia selected Campbell with the 31st pick. However, Campbell has space for reps at Philadelphia’s training camp because first-team All-Pro Zack Baun has just recently resumed practice and Nakobe Dean is still out due to a torn patellar tendon sustained during the playoffs.
Regarding Campbell, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio stated on Monday that he has been improving every week. He still has his hiccups, as I mentioned, but I do believe that he is improving steadily. For the first time in a long time, Baun will practice today, and he will spend some time with Bond. Trotter will, too (Jeremiah). That should help him relax a little bit as well.
Naturally, I believe that it might be easier for them if they play next to Zack. Some players, particularly those who are young at ILB (safety, for example), find it helpful if a veteran can take charge and lend a hand a little.
The Eagles will meet the Dallas Cowboys in the opening game of the 2025 NFL season on September 4 after playing their last preseason game against the New York Jets on Friday night.
When the season begins, will Campbell be in the starting lineup alongside Baun?
“Like everyone else, I’m still climbing the mountain,” Campbell said following Saturday’s preseason game. And it’s really fortunate, in my opinion, and the largest thing. Do you understand what I mean? Every chance I get, I give thanks and praise to God.
In a preseason game on August 7, the Eagles defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 34-27, and Campbell made his debut with the team. Campbell had three tackles during his 15 defensive snaps and three special teams plays on the field.
Campbell started for Philadelphia in Saturday’s 22–13 loss to the Cleveland Browns. He recorded four tackles, including one sack, during his 28 defensive snaps and two special teams plays on the field.
Just walking, isn’t that right?Campbell stated. Simply being better than you were yesterday means learning, developing, and getting better. That, in my opinion, is the main objective. and simply staying where you are at all times. Forget about next week. Forget about last week. Don’t stress over today. Worry about the current situation and how to perform it at your best.
I believe I simply keep the important stuff that is important. When you consider habits, discipline, and establishing a routine before, during, and after the game, you probably think of these things. I mean, simply knowing what that task is and what we must accomplish as a team and as a collective in order to complete it and find a way to win.
Campbell did not fully practice for Philadelphia until training camp started after undergoing shoulder surgery in March to repair a torn labrum.
“Man, it feels pretty good,” Campbell remarked. I’m playing my first few games as a professional football player, you know. It’s fantastic, just learning and developing. The most important thing, dude, is simply learning and developing.
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Mark Inabinett works for Alabama Media Group as a sports writer. You may follow him at @AMarkG1 on X.
