The Other Birds: Which Underrated Eagles Players Surprised in Week 4?
The Philadelphia Eagles survived a late rally by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win in Week 4. After a masterful offensive performance in the first half, Philadelphia’s offense fell apart in the second half. Despite the decline, Jalen Hurts looked like an MVP early in Tampa Bay.
While the offense sputtered, Philadelphia’s defense was mostly dominant outside of two uncharacteristic mistakes. Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean and Zack Baun put on a show as Philadelphia’s defensive stars shined bright.
Several of Philadelphia’s best players showed flashes, but 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 4.
Patrick Johnson
After Nolan Smith Jr. was placed on injured reserve last week, the Eagles were going to need someone to step up on the edge. While Za’Darius Smith and Joshua Uche saw their role grow, Patrick Johnson also stepped up against the Buccaneers.
Despite receiving a 27.5 “defensive grade” from Pro Football Focus, I actually thought Johnson played well in Week 4. After Ogbo Okoronkwo was ruled out during the game, Johnson played 15 total defensive snaps.
Despite being a healthy inactive in Week 3, Johnson showcased his versatility against the Buccaneers. Here are four plays that stood out to me while watching Johnson in Tampa Bay:
Play #1: The Buccaneers tried to trick the Eagles with a flea flicker. Johnson didn’t bite on the run fake and got to Baker Mayfield, which forced him to get rid of the ball. Cooper DeJean nearly intercepted Mayfield’s pass.
Play #2: Johnson got knocked on his behind by Cade Otton. Yet Johnson broke out a savvy (and illegal) move by raising his leg to try and trip Bucky Irving. Johnson’s leg forced Irving to jump higher than he likely wanted to and he eventually stumbled for a short gain.
Play #3: Johnson did his best impersonation of Nolan Smith Jr. on this play. Graham Barton pulled to the outside and tried to knock Johnson back. Yet he held the edge and forced Irving to run back towards the inside, where several defenders were waiting to tackle him.
Play #4: Johnson drew the tough task of defending Irving in coverage, just ask Jihaad Campbell about how difficult that is. While Johnson was called for pass interference on this play, it felt like he had solid coverage and that penalty likely wouldn’t get called most of the time.
John Metchie III
Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo showed off a new wrinkle in the first half against the Buccaneers. Patullo utilized John Metchie III on just five offensive snaps in Tampa Bay, yet how he used him was interesting.
Metchie was lined up in the backfield for three of his five offensive snaps in Week 4. Here is a closer look at three plays from Metchie:
Play #1: Metchie steps up to block Jacob Parrish, who has quickly become one of the rising slot cornerbacks in the NFL. Metchie gets a solid block on Parrish, yet Saquon Barkley is forced to improvise after Jalen Hurts botched the handoff.
Play #2: DeVonta Smith is sent in a pre-snap motion which forced the defense to back off in coverage. That opened up Metchie trailing behind Smith in the flat for an easy gain of seven yards.
Play #3: Metchie is sent on a similar motion as Smith was. Yet instead of continuing up field like Smith did, Metchie settles in the flat and picks up a short gain for a first down.
Parry Nickerson
Once Jakorian Bennett was placed on injured reserve, the Eagles had an open roster spot at cornerback. While some were surprised when Parry Nickerson was signed to the 53-man roster, he made a few key plays in Week 4.
Nickerson played three defensive snaps against the Buccaneers, including two of the game’s biggest plays for Philadelphia’s defense. Here’s a look at Nickerson on both of those plays:
Play #1: Buccaneers were down eight points and facing 3rd & 21 with 1:45 remaining in the fourth quarter from midfield. Nickerson initially followed the wide receiver before realizing that Rachaad White slipped out into a route. Nickerson tripped up White just enough to limit him to a 12-yard gain.
Play #2: The game is on the line as the Buccaneers are facing 4th & 9 with one minute remaining in the fourth quarter. Nickerson gets his hand on the wide receiver to slow down his route before stepping up to cover Otton. He closes in quickly and hits Otton low for just a two-yard gain.