It seems like it's been forever since Haason Reddick disassembled Brock Purdy the last time the Philadelphia Eagles were in the NFC Championship Game. So much has happened since then.
James Bradberry disappeared. C.J. Gardner-Johnson left the team and came back. Jalen Hurts' approval rating has dropped in some circles while Nick Sirianni's has risen.
These days, we have much to smile about. Zack Baun joined the nest and has developed into an All-Pro. The defense is the best in the league (and young).
Reaching the NFC Championship Game reminds us of Philly's appearances in the past. Heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and positions.
Also read : Eagles fans may be witnessing the end of an era
Here are a handful of suddenly under-the-radar Eagles who must step up during the NFC Championship Game.
Football is the ultimate team game. It's one where stars grab the headlines and deservingly so while the role players and guys we doubt can still offer heroic moments.
Just look at Philly's appearances in past NFC Championship Games. Dorsey Levens scored the only rushing touchdown of Philly's 27-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons on January 23, 2005. Chad Lewis hauled in two TD passes (but unfortunately suffered a Lisfranc injury during the second).
Nick Foles became a legend on this stage. He's an honorary captain on Sunday. And, let's not forget Patrick Robinson. His pick-six to get the scoring started vs. Minnesota will live in infamy. Roynell Young picked off one of his own off the arm of Danny White vs. the Dallas Cowboys in 1981.
What are we saying? It's simple. We expect monster days from Jalen Carter and Saquon Barkley. Still, you shouldn't be shocked if someone we don't mention often steps up and puts his stamp on one of the greatest wins in Eagles history.
Here are a few guys to watch.
Josh Sweat, EDGE
Josh Sweat's recent stretch eerily reminds us of his disappearing act at the close of last season. Once a constant threat to add pressure, he's been quiet as of late. All will be forgiven though if he displays a monster effort vs. the Commanders on Sunday.
Jordan Davis, defensive tackle
Jordan Davis stands at six-foot-six and tips the scales at 336 pounds. He is hard to miss. He's also been hard to notice as we've marveled at Jalen Carter's brilliance, Milton Williams' consistency, and Moro Ojomo's improvement.
His value can't always be weighed by how many sacks he registers. Still, if he has a few moments in this one, that will be encouraging and certainly welcomed.
Kenny Gainwell, running back
It's time for 'Playoff Kenny'. This season should have taught you Kenny G can play some beautiful music when called upon. He won't see many opportunities as Saquon Barkley will receive most of the workload, but if he can do something magical in relief or provide something as a returner, his time in Philly will certainly be thought of differently.
Reed Blankenship, safety
Reed Blankenship is a fan favorite, but we don't often give him the burn we give to Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Darius Slay, or C.J. G.J. when discussing Philly's secondary.
In his last four games vs. the Commanders, he has tallied 32 tackles, three interceptions, and six pass breakups. We'd love for our 'exciting whites' to have themselves a big day in this one.
A.J. Brown, wide receiver
Calling A.J. Brown lesser-mentioned or sub-radar seems disrespectful. He's only 27 years old and a three-time All-Pro for Heaven's sake. Unfortunately, he's also been largely ignored within the Eagles' attack more often this season than we care to remember.
He's on this list because Kellen Moore seems to have forgotten he's on the roster. Here's our advice. Every route doesn't need to send him 30 yards down the field. Three receptions and 24 yards receiving in two games isn't nearly the production we need from Number 11.
Sure, Philly tried to get him involved during the Divisional Round. Sure, he was charged with a couple of drops (his first two drops of the season), but if there was ever a week to get him the ball, THIS WOULD BE THAT WEEK. Don't walk out of this one harboring any regrets.
It's Championship Weekend. You have to live and die with your big dawgs on the big stage