TAMPA, Fla. — Like most rookies, Eagles first-round linebacker Jihaad Campbell is bound to make mistakes from time to time.
With 2:24 remaining in the third quarter on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving beat Campbell down the right sideline for a 72-yard receiving touchdown, cutting the Eagles lead to 31-20.
Two drives later, Campbell intercepted quarterback Baker Mayfield in the end zone, stopping an eight-play drive that could have tied things up in the Eagles’ 31-25 victory over the Bucs.
“I know I’m a better player than that, so I don’t (harp on it)” Campbell said after the game about getting beat for a touchdown. “It’s a next-play mentality type of industry. So, it is what it is. Just keep my foot on the gas and learn from the mistake.”
It was an ugly moment. But overall, Campbell was dominant against the Buccaneers and has looked like one of the NFL’s best linebackers four games into his career.
Campbell helped force a fumble on Irving in the third quarter, setting up Philadelphia’s only touchdown drive of the second half. He also finished with four tackles and one pass defended.
Going forward, he expects to limit his mistakes and make more game-changing plays.
“On my behalf, I got to be way better than that,” Campbell said. “That’s a plaster drill. I got to be a better situational guy. Maybe shove (Irving) out of bounds and maybe just get stickier coverage on him. I ain’t really upset about it. Just go back to the drawing board and get better. For me personally, like, I’m always excited to just find new ways to get better, right?”
On the interception, Campbell locked up Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton and jumped the pass intended for Chris Godwin.
Campbell can drop in coverage, stop the run, rush from the edge and blitz, making him a difficult player to game plan for. The Eagles occasionally used him as an edge rusher against the Bucs to help with their inconsistent pass rush. With Nolan Smith on injured reserve for at least three more weeks, Campbell’s edge snaps could increase.
“I’m used to edge, so it was pretty good,” Campbell said. “I always appreciate coach Vic (Fangio) just trusting me and allowing me to go on the edge and play as a collective so we can go out there and dominate them.”
In the Eagles’ Week 1 victory over the Cowboys, Campbell forced a fumble and broke up a pass deep downfield. Then, he shined in victories over the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams.
So far, Campbell has 22 tackles, one interception, two passes defended and one forced fumble. He was Pro Football Focus’ third-highest graded LB in coverage through three weeks and the overall highest-graded defensive rookie in the NFL.
On Philadelphia’s young defense of stars, Campbell could eventually become the best player.
“It’s me versus me every day,” Campbell said. “I look myself in the mirror every day. I ask myself, how can I get better each and every day? And the guys that surround me, they continue to help me establish that, continue to help me do that, and like I said, man, it’s a day-by day-process. I’m willing to go on the fight every day.”
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
