Turf Show Times
All eyes will be on Sunday’s matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles. The winner—with both teams at 2-0—will likely join the Green Bay Packers among the top of the class in the NFC Conference.
There are several under the radar Eagles to know before they host the Rams this weekend. These players may not be household names, but they will play a significant role in determining the outcome in Week 3.
Jackson has been in the NFL since 2017, when he was selected towards the middle of the first round by the Tennessee Titans. The veteran finished his rookie contract in Tennessee and then joined the New York Giants between 2021 and 2024. He’s in his first season with Philadelphia, though the Eagles succession plan at corner hasn’t gone as well as they hoped.
The Eagles’ selection of Georgia’s Kelee Ringo in the fourth round of 2024 was met with high praise, considering that Ringo was considered at times during the draft process as a fringe first round prospect. He’s failed to break through Philly’s lineup in three seasons.
Instead Jackson emerged as Philly’s starter opposite second-year corner Quinyon Mitchell and along side last year’s second round slot corner Cooper DeJean. Jackson is the obvious weak link in the Eagles secondary, and the unfortunate truth for the Eagles is that they don’t have a real alternative. This could be an Achilles heel that they battle for the duration of the season, barring a move at the trade deadline.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Jackson has graded as the 16th-best out of 19 defenders to play for Philadelphia this season. He has a coverage grade of just 40.6 with two missed tackles and a tackling grade of 45.6. The Rams will look to attack Jackson as often as possible—both through the air and by forcing him to bring the ball carrier down—just as the Eagles’ first two opponents have done so far this year.
In coverage as the nearest defender, Jackson has been targeted 12 times. This is a tied for the team lead with Mitchell, though the results of these targets are nowhere the same.
If the Rams can draw a matchup between Davante Adams and Jackson, this will be an advantage in LA’s favor. Puka Nacua should also be able to take advantage, though he’s doing his best work in zone coverage through two games.
One of the most fun facts surrounding this matchup is that it features the only two active NFL players born in Zimbabwe: Nate Landman of the Rams and Mukuba.
The Eagles drafted Mukuba in the second round this spring out of Texas. He’s playing multiple roles in Vic Fangio’s defense, which inherently asks...
