These Eagles rookies continue to earn respect | “They will be the best nickel corner combo”

during the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium Eagles found themselves without a starting cornerback Darius Slaywho was sidelined with a knee injury. With Slay out, the Eagles relied on cornerback Isaiah Rogers and two rookies, Quignon Mitchell and Cooper De Jeanto keep Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase and the rest of the receiving corps in check.

They did it, with DeJean tackling Chase on a key fourth-and-1 that led to a loss on downs, and Mitchell playing well by not letting anything get past him, leading to the Eagles finishing with 37-17 win. It was a long game that Mitchell and DeJean played well, and their ability to cover and help in the run made them look like complete players and draft picks who would be successful and longtime contributors. Mitchell pointed to the week of practice he and his teammates had going into the game.

“Our intentions and our preparation is how we’re going to go throughout the week,” Mitchell told NJ Advance Media after the game. “We’re locked up from Monday to Sunday when it’s time to play. We just see things together and have a great time preparing.”

Mitchell hasn’t thrown a touchdown this season, and defenders are completing just 48.5% of his passes. Although he doesn’t have an interception yet, he’s come close a few times, and his coverage skills put him atop several team records.

According to StatheadMitchell’s six passes defensed in seven games already ties him for sixth among Eagles rookies from the 2018 season, with Rasul Douglas tied for the top spot with 11 in 2017. Mitchell also faced the second-most targets for a rookie cornerback during that span, with 33 passes. Only Avonte Maddoxwho was targeted 42 times in 13 games, faced more. DeJean was also strong in coverage. According to Professional football focusDeJean was targeted 12 times and allowed just eight catches for 54 yards with a 76.4 passer rating.

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Head coach of the Eagles. Nick Sirianni said when players like Mitchell and DeJean are drafted there are high expectations, but they do a good job of instilling confidence in the coaching staff.

“They have to keep working every day,” Sirianni said. “We know we’re only as good as our next game, which is against Jacksonville, but we’re excited about their skills and who they are. I think these guys are extremely competitive. The moment is not too big for them. They played against one of the best players in the NFL on Sunday, and they didn’t bat an eye. I have a lot of respect for them and how they operate,” Sirianni said.

Mitchell and DeJean also have a fan in Slay. On the last episode of it “Big Play Slay” podcast, the veteran linebacker said he’s seen growth in both rookies in how they handle themselves on and off the field. He believes that their early success will lead to accolades and money.

“He’s a great defensive player and a great blocker,” Slay said. “Q is my boy. I love Q to death. He grew with me every day. He is like my younger brother. He’s going to be elite in this league for a long, long time. As for Kupp, he is amazing at his nickel position, especially on the outside. I think that should be his permanent position, and I think he’ll be one of the best — and one of the highest paid — in the NFL when his time comes because he plays the game so smart. He will be the best player in this league. They are going to be the best nickel corner combo in the league for a long time. Howie put his foot in there with those two draft picks.”