This next statement isn't an original. It's one we've stated before. It's one you have heard before, but it seems to be the prefect synopsis of a phenomenal season. Zack Baun's first-year story with the Philadelphia Eagles is one that would probably be thrown out by a Hollywood director because the plot didn't seem to be realistic.
Think about this for a second. Zack Baun, a former 3rd-round selection of the New Orleans Saints (2020) spent four seasons there and was relegated primarily to special teams duty. He appeared in 62 regular-season games, two more during the postseason.
He started 14 games and notched 88 tackles and two sacks. He eclipsed all of his production there during a single season under Vic Fangio in Philadelphia's defense.
Baun has been the defensive version of Saquon Barkley. After notching career high regular-season totals is in tackles (151), sacks (3.5), and pass breakups (four) and equaling his highest interception total (one), Zack earned a Pro Bowl nod and was named first-team All-Pro. He was also named one of Philly's five finalists for an AP award.
How did that work out? We're glad you asked.
Zack Baun is snubbed for the AP's Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Zack Baun unfortunately didn't win the Associated Press's Defensive Player of the Award. Instead, the honor was given to Patrick Surtain Jr. of the Denver Broncos. Sure, we called this a snub, but now that we think about it, there's no shame in losing any honor to someone of his stature, right?
Zack was deserving, but Patrick also played on another level.
Zack has nothing to be ashamed of though. He has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. A big payday is coming his way. Hopefully, he's an Eagle for years to come.
Zack has a Super Bowl to focus on. Go and get one young man. The accolades will come. Take care of team business and everything else takes care of itself!