Sunday afternoon features the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams. Both are hoping to make it to the NFC Conference Championship next week. Philly will host that game if they come out on top.
Within that battle is another battle. Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates Quinyon Mitchell and Jared Verse will take their opportunities to showcase their talents. go head to head. Both have long days ahead of them.
Quinyon Mitchell gets our vote for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Jared Verse has been as good as advertised. He finished the regular season with 66 total tackles, 18 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Quinyon Mitchell has balled out too.
The DROY award historically has gone to linebackers and defensive linemen. That's music to Jared Verse's ears, but might there be an exception? Q has already proven himself to be a lockdown cornerback. He didn't allow a TD reception until Week 16 of the regular season.
Impressively, Mitchell's list of victims reads like a list of All-Pros and future Hall of Famers. Just read the names: Mike Evans, Ja'Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb, Terry McLaurin, and more. Mitchell has made a name for himself, and the best is yet to come. His future is as bright as it gets.
From Week 6 to 15, Mitchell allowed more than 25 yards receiving when targeted once. In 16 games, he's totaled 46 combined tackles and 12 passes defended. Mitchell secured his first career interception during the Eagles' Wild Card Round win over the Green Bay Packers.
He's been special.
Quinyon's confidence is also unmatched. He's had to step up, especially when Darius Slay was injured. The 22nd overall selection held his own, earning a 73.1 grade from Pro Football Focus.
Quinyon Mitchell and his Eagles teammates have added motivation to outshine Jared Verse and the Rams on Sunday.
Ahead of Sunday's game, Jared Verse painted a target on his back. Everyone knows how Philly will respond to his statement.
Speaking to the LA Times, Verse may have given Philly some bulletin board material.
“I hate Eagles fans. They’re so annoying. I hate Eagles fans. When I see that green and white, I hate it. I actually get upset. I actually genuinely get hot.”
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 17, 2025
-Rams rookie edge rusher Jared Verse on facing the Eagles in Philly Sunday. From @latimes https://t.co/UCUAJUBowk
Then, Sean McVay backed his star rookie edge rusher.
👀 Sean McVay Backs Jared Verse Saying He Hates Eagles Fans:
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) January 18, 2025
“He Told His Truth, I'm Riding with the Rams"https://t.co/Z8NUHESfPp pic.twitter.com/tlem1aDOJA
Well, if that's how they want to play it, McVay can get all of the smoke too.
Verse will be matched up vs. Jordan Mailata and/or Lane Johnson. Q must help limit Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. The latter has the second-highest target percentage in the NFL. Let's hope he finds himself imprisoned by Quinyonamo Bay.
In Week 12 against the Rams, Mitchell allowed three catches for 26 yards and zero touchdowns from Rams' receivers when he was targeted. If he pulls off a similar performance, the Birds will be sitting pretty.
Verse currently has the best odds to win the DROY trophy. According to BetMGM Sportsbook, he sits at -1000. Mitchell has odds of +700, but whether Q wins the award or not, he's the rookie of the year in our book.