The Philadelphia Eagles didn’t just beat the Detroit Lions — they outsmarted them. And according to defensive standout Jordan Davis, it all came down to picking up on one subtle Jared Goff habit that completely shifted the flow of Sunday night’s game.
After the Eagles’ gritty 16–9 win, Davis revealed that the defense noticed something Goff kept doing before the snap. It didn’t take long for Philly’s front to use it against him, and once they adjusted, Detroit’s offense suddenly looked stuck in the mud. The Lions, who entered the matchup riding a wave of Week 10 momentum, struggled to find any rhythm as the Eagles shut down the run game and applied relentless pressure.
Davis wouldn’t detail the habit exactly — no defensive player gives away all the secrets — but he made it clear the Eagles were able to anticipate where Goff wanted to go with the ball. That extra half-second of recognition was enough for the defense to collapse pockets, jump routes, and force Detroit into uncomfortable situations all night long.
Goff finished the game visibly frustrated as the Lions’ offense sputtered, managing just a single touchdown in a performance that felt like a step backward from their explosive showing against Washington. For all the talk about Dan Campbell’s aggressiveness and Detroit’s offensive “clicking,” the Eagles reminded the league that smart preparation can shut down even the hottest attack.
The Lions will now have to go back to the film room and identify the exact tell the Eagles exploited. Because once one team spots a habit, other defenses will start looking for it too.
Detroit still sits in a strong position heading deeper into the NFC playoff fight, but Sunday served as a harsh reminder: if your quarterback becomes predictable, even for a moment, elite defenses will make you pay.
How Jordan Davis Caught Jared Goff Slipping — and Shut Detroit’s Offense Down
