Quinyon Mitchell

Elite Eagles CB Mitchell Finally Gets His Flowers After Shutting Down Tampa in Week 4

Brandon Ellis

Let’s be honest, we all saw this coming. It was just a matter of time before the rest of the league caught on to what Philadelphia has known since last season: Quinyon Mitchell is the real deal. After putting on a defensive clinic against the Buccaneers in Week 4, the NFL finally decided to give him his flowers, naming him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

It’s about time. While the official announcement might be news to some, for anyone who actually watched the game, this was less of a surprise and more of a long-overdue acknowledgment. Mitchell has been playing at an elite level, and this award is just the first of what will likely be many trips to the podium.

Did Mitchell Deserve the Week 4 Honor?

Quinyon Mitchell vs Tampa Bay
Sep 28, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) runs against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Is that even a question? Absolutely. If you were wondering why the Buccaneers’ passing game looked like it was stuck in quicksand, you can thank number 27. Mitchell didn’t just play well; he put on a masterclass in how to be a shutdown cornerback in the modern NFL. He was targeted nine times and gave up a measly two catches for a grand total of six yards. You read that right. Six. Most cornerbacks give up more yardage on a single slip.

He also recorded a career-high five pass breakups, basically living in the pockets of Tampa’s receivers. According to NFL NextGen Stats, quarterbacks who dared to throw in Mitchell’s direction ended up with a passer rating of just 39.6. For context, that’s about the same rating a quarterback would get for just throwing the ball into the dirt on every play. It was the lowest mark for any defender targeted nine or more times this season. It wasn’t just a good game; it was a statistical beatdown.

More Than Just a One-Game Wonder

Let’s not get it twisted, this isn’t some flash-in-the-pan performance. Mitchell, the Eagles‘ first-round pick in 2024, has been building this reputation since he stepped onto the field. He finished second in the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting last season for a reason. He’s quickly established himself as a guy you simply don’t test.

Even Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio, a man not exactly known for handing out participation trophies, couldn’t help but praise him. “I thought he played very well the other day,” Fangio said, in what might be the most understated compliment of the year. “I told him I think it was his best game since he’s been here. He played well.” Coming from Fangio, that’s the equivalent of a standing ovation.

A First for Mitchell, But Not for the Eagles

This marks the first time in his young career that Mitchell has snagged a weekly award, but he’s in good company. He’s the second Eagle to earn a nod this season, joining Jordan Davis, who won NFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 3 for his heroics. He also becomes the first player from the University of Toledo to ever win a Defensive Player of the Week award, putting his alma mater on the map.

While he’s still hunting for that first regular-season interception—a stat that feels more like a fluke than a flaw at this point—it’s clear that Mitchell’s impact goes far beyond the box score. He’s not just defending passes; he’s erasing entire sections of the field. With the way he’s playing, conversations about Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections aren’t just whispers; they’re becoming expectations. For now, he can add NFC Defensive Player of the Week to his growing resume. Something tells me he’ll need to make more room on that mantlepiece soon.

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