The Philadelphia Eagles limited the Washington Commanders, a team that averages 28 points per game, to 18 points in their Week 11 Thursday Night Football victory. Likewise, Jayden Daniels finished with only 191 yards and a touchdown.
The Eagles’ pass defense deserves much credit in neutralizing the Commanders’ passing attack. Therefore, their young but talented secondary proved they’d be a force to reckon with. Once again, general manager Howie Roseman added to Philadelphia’s war chest by unearthing Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
Coincidentally, Washington traded the pick that helped the Eagles land DeJean in the second round of the 2024 draft. Through Week 11, Pro Football Focus gave him an 85.9 coverage grade, the best mark among cornerbacks with at least 150 snaps covered. Meanwhile, the NFL Network tweeted that DeJean allowed the fewest yards per target among cornerbacks with at least 20 targets.
The former Iowa standout has 24 tackles, three passes defended, and a fumble recovery in ten games. What’s impressive is that he only started five of those games.
Meanwhile, Mitchell tops all National Football Conference cornerbacks with a 25 percent forced incompletion rate. Philadelphia’s first-round pick out of Toledo is a significant factor in neutralizing Commanders wideout Terry McLaurin to one catch for ten yards.
Quinyon Mitchell: 25% forced incompletion rate this season
— PFF (@PFF) November 14, 2024
1st among NFC CBs pic.twitter.com/GqVCkIufLH
Mitchell has 31 tackles and eight passes defended. More importantly, this rookie cornerback tandem helped the Eagles take the top spot in the NFC East with an 8-2 record. Their march to their seventh playoff berth in the last eight seasons continues when they visit the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12.
-Lance Fernandez