Nick Sirianni weighs in on Eagles rookie Jihaad Campbell's reassuring NFL debut vs Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell proved why he was taken in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft in Week 1's win over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football.
The Alabama product was credited with forcing a fumble on Cowboys running back Miles Sanders during a crucial drive late in the third quarter. He also broke up a deep pass intended for tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford, a play that likely would have resulted in a touchdown.
While fans were more than excited with what they saw from Campbell in his first NFL regular-season debut, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni didn't give in to the hype.
"I thought he did some really good things," Sirianni said. "Obviously, like all of us, we all had plays that we want back and we all had plays where there were some good and there was some bad, and that’s the game of football. You try to fix those things and move on and try to repeat the things that you had success with. I thought he did some really nice things in the game. I think you saw his speed, his length, his range in coverage, and I think you saw some of his ability in the run game. And there’s things that he has to work on as well, like we all do."
Jihaad Campbell's Next Chance to Prove He's a Future NFL Star Will Come vs. Kansas City
Sirianni, downplaying his performance, even admitted that he couldn't wait to get back to the practice field with Campbell.
"Look forward to getting back out there with him on the practice field because I think this is a guy that’s just going to continue to get better the more he plays football," Sirianni said. "Another guy that loves this game, has great work ethic and great work habits, and excited about the direction that he can go in that we see, but it takes what it takes, and he is going to have to work at it every single day. And I love that about him, that he has that in his DNA, that he is going to want to do that and to continue to get better."
The Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 this Sunday. It's a Super Bowl LIX rematch for most of Philly's players, but for Campbell, it's another chance to prove he's right on track to becoming an NFL star.
Seahawks Pro Bowler Blowing Opportunity for Huge Contract: What’s Going Wrong?
The Seattle Seahawks were hoping that their Pro Bowl talent would continue to shine as they looked to lock him down to a lucrative long-term contract. However, recent performances have raised serious doubts about whether he’ll secure the deal he’s been eyeing. The player, who has been a key figure in the Seahawks' defense for years, is now at a crossroads where his future and financial security may be hanging in the balance.
For a player with his pedigree and prior accolades, including multiple Pro Bowls, expectations have always been high. Yet, instead of showcasing the consistency and playmaking ability that led to his past success, he’s struggled to deliver in high-pressure moments. The most recent games, particularly in the 2025 season opener, left many wondering if his best years are behind him. The once-explosive defender, known for his ability to make game-changing plays, now finds himself facing criticism for missed opportunities and inconsistent performances.
While injuries have played a role in the player's decline, the team has stood by him, hoping that with the right coaching and support, he would return to his former Pro Bowl form. However, in a business like the NFL, where contract negotiations are based on performance, time is running out for him to prove that he deserves the massive contract extension he seeks.
Experts are beginning to question whether the Seahawks will be willing to invest a significant portion of their salary cap into a player who is no longer playing at the elite level he once was. With the salary cap getting tighter and Seattle needing to invest in younger talent, the pressure on the veteran to prove his worth has never been higher.
It’s not just about the stats either. Teams are looking for leadership and consistency, and this player’s recent struggles to impact the game on a consistent basis have raised doubts. As the season progresses, if these issues aren’t addressed, the player may find himself in a difficult position when it comes to contract talks.
The question now is, can the player rise to the occasion and turn his season around? With his contract on the line and the team's future at stake, the pressure will only mount in the coming weeks. For Seahawks fans, it’s a tough pill to swallow—watching a Pro Bowl-caliber player fail to capitalize on his biggest opportunity yet.
As the deadline for contract discussions looms closer, one thing is certain: the clock is ticking, and the player must perform at his highest level if he wants to secure the massive contract he desires.
