The Other Birds: Who Flew Under the Radar in Week 5?
The Philadelphia Eagles have now lost back-to-back games in heartbreaking fashion. While many are rightfully fixated on Philadelphia’s offensive struggles, I wanted to give credit to a couple of underrated players on defense. In my latest edition of The Other Birds, I’ll take a look at two players that flew under the radar in Week 5.
A.J. Epenesa
The Eagles entered Sunday’s matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars without Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. Therefore, Arnold Ebiketie was elevated to the third edge rusher role behind starters Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt. Yet on the final play before halftime, Hunt suffered an injury that would sideline him for the remainder of the game. Therefore, it was time for someone else to step up at edge rusher in the second half.
28-year-old veteran edge rusher A.J. Epenesa was called upon and played 15 total snaps on defense in Week 5. While Epenesa only recorded one total tackle in the box score, he made his impact felt in the game’s biggest moments. On back-to-back plays in the fourth quarter, Epenesa occupied two blockers on the edge to force a run inside for just a one-yard gain. Then he stayed step for step with Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and ultimately batted down a pass on third down.
It was an impressive performance from a veteran that hasn’t necessarily had a huge role in Philadelphia. Yet Epenesa made the most of his opportunity against the Jaguars, which resulted in a season-high 15 snaps. Given the uncertainty regarding Greenard’s anvailability and that Hunt is expected to miss time, Epenesa should have a bigger role moving forward in the coming weeks.
Kenny Moore II
Similar to Philadelphia’s situation at edge rusher, the Eagles entered Sunday’s game without starting safety Marcus Epps. Therefore, Michael Carter II was elevated to a starting role alongside Andrew Mukuba. Carter suffered an abdomen injury during the game and never returned to the field. Veteran defensive back Kenny Moore II was called into action in place of Carter at safety, despite hardly playing the position.
Prior to Sunday’s game, Moore never played more than 13 snaps at safety in a single season. The 32-year-old veteran went on to play 32 snaps at safety against the Jaguars. Despite primarily playing slot cornerback throughout his NFL career, Moore looked like a natural at safety in Philadelphia’s defensive scheme. He communicated well with the other members of the secondary as the Eagles put together an impressive defensive performance.
In what has been a season plagued by missed tackles, Moore recorded five total tackles and didn’t miss any. While he did allow a 27-yard completion in coverage, he only allowed two receptions in the game. If Epps and Carter are forced to miss more time due to injury, the Eagles should feel comfortable starting Moore at safety. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio named Moore the starting safety for the foreseeable future following his performance against the Jaguars.