The Philadelphia Eagles moved to 4-0 last week after knocking off the previously undefeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 31-25, in Week 4.
The Eagles got up to a big lead, and then had to hang on at the end to get the big win. The Buccaneers have one of the most dynamic passing games in the NFL, and the Eagles were able to keep them in check for much of the day.
A big reason why was the play of second-year defensive back Quinyon Mitchell, who finished with five tackles and five passes defended. For that performance, Mitchell was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Teams had avoided him for much of the season, as he had only one pass defended entering the game. However, the Buccaneers decided to test him early and often in Week 4, and he showed why he is one of the best young defensive backs in the NFL.
The Eagles took him with the No. 22 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Just 18 picks later, they selected another cornerback in Cooper Dejean. Those two have paired up early in their career to be one of the most dynamic and best cornerback duos in the NFL.
Mitchell immediately made an impact as a rookie, as he finished with 46 tackles and 12 passes defended. At 6-foot, 195 pounds, he is a physical cornerback who can matchup with receivers that are taller than him. Another thing that separates him from a lot of other cornerbacks in the NFL is the willingness to come up and make plays in the run game.
Up next in Week 5 is another very good challenge for Mitchell and the Eagles secondary in the Denver Broncos. Bo Nix has shown that he isn’t afraid to attack deep, and has some wide receivers who are capable of making big plays.
Mitchell figures to be matched up with Courtland Sutton a lot in this game, and he is coming off a five-catch, 81-yard game against the Cincinnati Bengals. At 6-foot-4, 216 pounds, Sutton is the type of receiver who can give cornerbacks fits, but Mitchell has been up for that challenge throughout his career.
After seeing Mitchell’s performance against the Buccaneers, will the Broncos take their chances and attack him? That remains to be seen, but Nix is just the type of quarterback who will take the challenge and attack him. If he does that, and Mitchell could possibly add that first career interception to his resume.