The Other Birds: Which Underrated Eagles Players Surprised in Week 1?
The Philadelphia Eagles earned a sloppy yet hard-fought win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. Following the regular season opener, many of Philadelphia’s star players received the recognition that they rightfully deserved.
Jalen Hurts was praised for his poise in the passing game and his ability to run the ball when plays broke down. Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell showcased their versatility and uncommon skillsets at inside linebacker.
Yet what about the other guys? It’s easy for players in lesser roles to get lost in the shuffle on such a loaded roster in Philadelphia.
Nick Sirianni and Hurts both discussed the new motto for the team this season: “contribution over credit.” The team clearly understands what it takes to win and it starts with sacrifice.
Several players on Philadelphia’s roster could have bigger roles elsewhere, yet they’re with the Eagles and simply doing their job. It might not be the prettiest job or get attention from the national media — yet it’s still important.
That’s exactly why I wanted to start a new weekly article series called “The Other Birds.” It’ll give me the opportunity to highlight the role players that made contributions in games that might have otherwise slipped under the radar.
Here are the players that stood out to me with their unexpected contributions in Week 1.
Joshua Uche
The Eagles signed Joshua Uche to a one-year contract early in free agency. Yet after the team also signed Azeez Ojulari, many were unsure what his role would be in Philadelphia.
Uche outperformed Ojulari during training camp and the preseason, ultimately earning the role as Philadelphia’s third edge rusher. But how much of an impact could he have in that role? We learned quickly in Week 1.
1) Uche played 19 snaps against the Cowboys and he was a pass rusher on 18 of those plays, according to Pro Football Focus. Despite wearing the same number as Bryce Huff (#0), Uche recorded four total pressures in Week 1.
The 26-year-old showcased his versatility, as he lined up on both the right side and left side of Vic Fangio’s defensive front. Uche recorded two pressures against Cowboys RT Terence Steele (#78) and LT Tyler Guyton (#60).
2) On Uche’s only defensive snap where he didn’t rush the passer, he was tasked with covering Jake Ferguson (#87). Uche stayed with him, although he appeared to be a bit handsy, yet there weren’t any penalties called.
3) In Uche’s first five seasons in the NFL, he played just four total snaps on kickoff coverage. Yet he eclipsed that total in his first game with the Eagles, as he played five snaps on kickoff coverage against the Cowboys.
Despite a lack of experience, Uche blew up Cowboys All-Pro returner KaVontae Turpin on Philadelphia’s second kickoff of the game. Uche used a pass rush move to sidestep the block attempt and tackle Turpin.
Kylen Granson
When the Eagles initially signed Kylen Granson in free agency, many questioned if he would even make the final roster. Yet he outplayed Harrison Bryant, who was eventually traded, and earned the TE3 spot in Philadelphia.
1) As TE3, Granson’s role would have initially been limited for the Eagles. Yet he was forced to play fullback after Ben VanSumeren suffered a season-ending knee injury during the opening kickoff against the Cowboys.
Granson led the way for Saquon Barkley on this play, as he quickly climbed to block Damone Clark (#18) on the outside. Meanwhile, Grant Calcaterra completely whiffed on his block attempt against Jack Sanborn (#57).
2) If Granson is going to be TE3 in Philadelphia, he’s going to have to contribute on special teams. He did exactly that on the opening kickoff of the game, where he helped push Turpin out of bounds and limit his return.
John Metchie III
The Eagles traded for John Metchie III in the middle of August and he obviously didn’t get much practice time in Philadelphia. Metchie isn’t going to have a big role on offense and he needed to prove that he could contribute on special teams as WR4 or WR5 for the Eagles.
1) Metchie did exactly that against the Cowboys in Week 1. While he did return one kickoff after Will Shipley suffered a rib injury, it was Metchie’s ability on kickoff coverage that surprised me.
The last time that Metchie played a single snap on kickoff coverage was in Alabama’s win over Auburn on September 21st, 2021. Yet Metchie has embraced his new role with the Eagles and made an impressive tackle against Jalen Tolbert (#1) in the open field.