Well, one of Philadelphia’s streaks has finally come to an end.
For the first time all season, the Eagles do not have an NFC Player of the Week. The recognition began in Week 1 when Zech McPhearson won for special teams. The defense then took over the following three weeks, until kicker Cameron Dicker won in Week 5.
Despite an obvious choice from Philadelphia — C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen was awarded instead.
EAGLES’ NFC PLAYER OF THE WEEK STREAK ENDS
Each week, the NFC and AFC name three Players of the Week (offense, defense, and special teams), and the Eagles have been massive contenders. As the lone undefeated team in the league (now 6-0), the Birds have been properly recognized for the work they’ve put in…finally.
- Week 1: Zech McPhearson — Special Teams
- Week 2: Darius Slay — Defense
- Week 3: Brandon Graham — Defense
- Week 4: Haason Reddick — Defense
- Week 5: Cameron Dicker — Special Teams
- Month of September: Jalen Hurts — Offense
McPhearson earned his award after recovering an onside kick while playing the Detroit Lions in Week 1. The Eagles went on a five-play, 49-yard drive, finishing it off with a 1-yard touchdown by running back Boston Scott. The play gave the Eagles the lead which would ultimately win them the game.
A week later, cornerback Darius Slay had an epic performance against the Minnesota Vikings. After a whooping game by wide receiver Justin Jefferson the week prior, Slay held Jefferson to only six passes for 48 yards. Slay also had two interceptions, nearly adding two more before the game was over. He finished with a career-high five passes defended, becoming the first player since 2019 to do so, while recording two interceptions in the same game.
BG was next. Playing against friend and former teammate, Carson Wentz, Graham finished Week 3 with a season-high 6 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two tackles for a loss, a pass defensed, and one forced fumble. The 13-year veteran was graded a 78.1 by Pro Football Focus, earning the title for the first time in his career.
The defense continued to lead into Week 4 as the Eagles played the Jacksonville Jaguars. Newcomer Haason Reddick became the first player in 17 years to record at least two sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in a game.
Finishing out Week 5 was [Cameron] Dicker the Kicker, who took over for injured Jake Elliott. In his NFL debut, he successfully completed a 42-yard kick, and a 23-yard field goal to give Philadelphia their win over the Cardinals.
And last by not least was Jalen Hurts, who won the entire month of September for his performance this season. The quarterback left 2021 knowing he had a lot to improve on, and he’s done just that, putting an end to opinions across the league. In six games, Hurts has 1,514 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, 293 rushing yards, and six rushing touchdowns.
TOYOTA PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Despite the Eagles losing their NFC Player of the Week streak, all luck wasn’t lost. The Toyota Player of the Week went to C.J. Gardner-Johnson for his performance after the Eagles Week 6 game against NFC rival, the Dallas Cowboys.
In Philadelphia’s latest win, Gardner-Johnson had two interceptions. The first one came in the second quarter on an intended pass to Michael Gallup. Shortly after, Gardner-Johnson was injured, making his way to the locker room. He returned to make a second interception (again intended for Gallup) in the second half to help win the game 26-17.
The Eagles will see if they can start their streak all over again after their bye week. The team will host the Pittsburgh Steelers next, in Week 8, on October 30.
