Week 1 is officially in the books, and the Philadelphia Eagles are 1-0 again, with hopes for another strong season.
The Eagles escaped with a 24-22 win over the Washington Commanders in a critical NFC East game. It wasn't the prettiest performance from the Birds, but it was an important win as they inch closer to the tough part of their schedule.
From that Commanders game, though, there were guys who made a massive impact but aren't getting as much love for it. To be exact, six players on the Eagles fit that category and made great plays that helped secure the win.
Which Eagles players is no one talking about as standouts in Week 1 (but should be?)
Johnny Mundt, TE
Mundt is being given far too little love for a really solid debut with the Eagles. Pro Football Focus graded him as the third-best pass blocker on the Eagles during Week 1 with a 75.3. He'll make a difference as a blocking tight end that Grant Calcaterra couldn't be last year.
Tank Bigsby, RB
Bigsby may not have gotten the touches in the game (which will frustrate Eagles fans once again), but he did have arguably the most underrated play of the contest. On the Jalen Hurts-Dontayvion Wicks touchdown pass, Bigsby made the key block on a blitz that helped keep Hurts from taking a sack. Those small plays truly make the difference in a game.
Darius Cooper, WR
Eagles fans may not have noticed this, but Cooper was flying around on special teams and was the best player on that unit. He racked up a staggering four tackles on coverage in the win. In training camp, he was praised as a receiver, but he is also becoming a weapon on special teams.
Jordan Davis, DT
Davis is a fan favorite in Philly, but he didn't get as much love despite the great stats he put up. He finished the game with eight tackles. The hope is that this is the year that Davis finally gets his first Pro Bowl selection because he 100% deserves it for the effort plays he makes week in and week out.
Braden Mann, P
Mann had one of the best games of his tenure with the Eagles, punting the ball seven times and averaging 51.6 yards per punt. What was impressive was his ability to pin the Commanders deep in their own territory. He was a key weapon for the Eagles in the game and someone who might join Davis in the conversation for a first Pro Bowl after that game.
Read more: Landon Dickerson's surprising trip to IR now opens 2 pathways for Eagles
Makai Lemon, WR
Yes, he didn't have a great game catching the ball, but he did other things that suggested he could be a good wide receiver in the NFL. On the Eagles' third-and-18, Hurts got 22 yards on the ground when Lemon's block opened up the run. Lemon still needs development, but he is finding other ways to help the team and deserves credit for what he's doing in the blocking game.
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