While the Philadelphia Eagles have stumbled out of the gate in the 2024 NFL season, rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell has been a rare bright spot for the struggling team. As the Eagles head into their bye week, Mitchell’s stellar play in the secondary has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Last week, during the Eagles’ matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mitchell faced off against future Hall of Famer Mike Evans. Mitchell’s talent was on full display, limiting Evans to just two catches for 19 yards on four targets, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). The rookie also made a crucial pass breakup in the end zone, leading to a memorable exchange between the two players.
Mic’d up during the game, Mitchell didn’t shy away from engaging with Evans. In an attempt to get under Mitchell’s skin, Evans remarked, “You easy. You easy as (expletive) to get open on.” The rookie calmly responded, “Oh, really?” and then asked Evans, “How many catches you got on me? You got one catch.” Evans, taken aback by the rookie’s confidence, could only reply, “You know who I am, right?”
Mitchell’s composure and poise in such moments have been remarkable, especially for a player just four games into his NFL career. He has yet to allow a touchdown in coverage and has committed only one penalty. His performance against top-tier competition like Evans demonstrates his potential to be a long-term fixture in the Eagles’ defense.
In fact, Mitchell’s Pro Football Focus coverage grade surpasses that of veteran cornerback Darius Slay. He’s currently ranked as the Eagles’ fifth-highest graded defender, with opposing quarterbacks posting a passer rating of just 76.6 when targeting him.
Mitchell’s rapid rise comes as little surprise to those who followed his college career at Toledo, where he earned a reputation as a shutdown corner. Now, he’s quickly becoming one of the few bright spots in what has otherwise been a challenging season for the Eagles.
Although Evans may have tried to downplay Mitchell’s presence on the field, performances like these ensure that the rookie cornerback won’t be overlooked for long. If Mitchell continues to excel, he could be the key to helping stabilize the Eagles’ defense as the season progresses.
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