The Other Birds: Which Underrated Eagles Players Surprised in Week 3?
After falling behind 26-7, the Philadelphia Eagles made an improbable comeback against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3. The Eagles won by a final score of 33-26, which was capped off by an incredible blocked field goal that was returned for a touchdown by Jordan Davis.
While Davis’ dominant performance and the offensive explosion in the second half got most of the headlines, we can’t forget about the other guys. Each week, I highlight the contributions of Philadelphia’s lesser-known players in a series called “The Other Birds.”
In the latest installment of my weekly series, I highlighted three players that stood out to me with their impressive performances in Week 3.
Fred Johnson
Jordan Davis wasn’t the only big man that made a huge impact for the Eagles in Week 3. If it wasn’t for Davis’ performance, Philadelphia’s comeback victory might have been labeled “The Fred Johnson Game.”
After Eagles starting right tackle Lane Johnson exited the game with a neck injury, it appeared as though all hope was lost once Matt Pryor stepped in. Philadelphia’s offense continued to spiral out of control as Pryor allowed what felt like a game-ending strip sack early in the third quarter.
Yet that negative play sparked a much-needed change as Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland replaced Pryor with Johnson. Once “Big Fred” entered the game, the Eagles went on a 26-0 run to defeat the Rams by a final score of 33-26.
While Johnson wasn’t perfect, he held up well in pass protection on the game’s biggest plays. Here are a few examples of Johnson’s solid pass blocking from his impressive performance off the bench in Week 3.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
It appeared as though Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was going to push for a legitimate role on defense throughout training camp and preseason. Yet the emergence and quick healing of rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell forced Trotter to remain a backup this season.
While some players would sulk after being relegated to special teams duty, Trotter has embraced his role. He has played 60 snaps on special teams, which is the second-most among all Eagles players this season.
Trotter consistently plays with high effort and made a notable impact on special teams in Week 3. Trotter registered three solo tackles and one assisted tackle against the Rams.
Here’s a closer look at all four of Trotter’s tackles on special teams from Week 3.
Byron Young
Davis and Jalen Carter deservingly got a ton of praise following their performances in Week 3. Yet backup interior defensive lineman Byron Young quietly made a couple of plays as well.
While Young only played four snaps as a pass rusher against the Rams, he registered his only pressure during a key moment.
On 3rd and 2 with 8:52 remaining in the fourth quarter, Matthew Stafford dropped back to throw a back shoulder pass into the end zone to Davante Adams. While Reed Blankenship made a great play to breakup the pass, Young hurried Stafford and might have forced him to throw it earlier than he wanted to.
Young also made an impact on Davis’ game-ending blocked field goal that was returned for a touchdown. He lined up to the right of Davis and helped knock down Rams offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (#79) to break through the line of scrimmage and get the block.
Here’s a closer look at both of Young’s big plays against the Rams in Week 3.