Packers-Eagles takeaways: Philly needs to solve offensive malaise

Game MVP: Eagles outside linebacker Nolan Smith

With the offense sputtering, Philadelphia needed a strong defensive effort. That's exactly what the team got, thanks in large part to Smith.

Per Pro Football Focus data, Smith led the Eagles with five total pass-rush pressures, including the team's two sacks.

On his first sack, Smith weaved past Packers offensive lineman Zach Tom and tackled quarterback Jordan Love for a 14-yard loss.

He added a second sack on Green Bay's last offensive possession, giving him his first multi-sack game as a pro. The No. 30 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft's last multi-sack game came at Georgia in 2020.

Smith tied with linebacker Zack Baun for the team's second-most tackles (eight), playing a vital role after linebacker Nakobe Dean (knee) left the game in the first half.

Play of the game: Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert's 24-yard touchdown reception

Goedert provided one of the few offensive highlights for Philadelphia, performing three stiff-arms against Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine as he gave the Eagles a 16-3 third-quarter lead.

Quote of the day: 'My teammates call it the recipe'

Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown played a supporting role in the win, but he was still one of the game's biggest stars for his second-half viral sideline moment.

With Philadelphia sporting a two-possession lead, Brown spent time after an Eagles drive reading a book, later identified by online sleuths as Jim Murphy's "Inner Excellence."

After the game, a reporter asked Brown about breaking out the reading material during the game, something Brown said he does every week.

"It gives me a sense of peace," Brown said. "That's a book I bring every single game." (h/t NFL reporter Stacey Dales).

"My teammate call it the recipe," Brown said. "It got a lot of points in there ... a lot of mental parts about it. For me, this game is mental... I believe I can do anything and everything, but you know, I got to make sure my mental good."

Brown noted he reads after every offensive series regardless of the outcome.

Brown was held to one reception for 10 yards on three targets in the lowest scoring of the first four wild-card games. While he didn't have the game he likely expected, it's important for Brown to stay engaged. The middle of a game might not seem like the best time to read a book, but if it keeps Brown in the right headspace, the Eagles should go ahead and add a library to its sideline.