The Eagles’ gritty win over the Detroit Lions didn’t just showcase a dominant defensive outing — it highlighted a major shift in Philadelphia’s linebacker rotation. And the biggest beneficiary? Nakobe Dean.
After spending earlier weeks rotating lightly or watching from the sidelines, Dean’s snap count has continued to climb, and Sunday’s matchup against the Lions made it clear the coaching staff is leaning harder on him. The young linebacker saw another jump in playing time, signaling growing trust and a more permanent role in the defensive core.
What stood out is how Dean was deployed. Instead of being used situationally, he was on the field for key downs — run-stuffing plays, coverage assignments, and even pressure moments when the Eagles needed stops. His instincts were sharp, and the defense looked noticeably more energetic with him moving sideline to sideline.
For a team that has been searching for stability at linebacker, Dean’s rise couldn’t come at a better time. The Eagles’ defense suffocated Detroit’s offense for most of the night, and Dean’s increased presence played a part in that success. While it wasn’t a flashy stat-sheet performance, the coaching staff clearly values what he brings behind the scenes — communication, quick reads, and discipline.
If this upward trend continues, Dean could be on track to become one of the Eagles’ most important defenders down the stretch. And with the NFC race tightening, Philadelphia appears ready to unleash him fully.
Snap Count Doesn’t Lie: Nakobe Dean Becoming a Must-Start Defender
