Six under-the-radar Eagles to watch against the Commanders

As is often the case, the Philadelphia Eagles enter the season opener with no shortage of star power. Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, Zack Baun, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Jalyx Hunt will receive most of the headlines.

That’s what happens when expectations are high, and a roster is loaded with talent, but winning in the NFL isn’t just about stars. It’s about the players who handle the difficult assignments.

They embrace the dirty work and capitalize on opportunities when they arrive. As Philadelphia prepares to open the season against the Washington Commanders, several under-the-radar Eagles could play significant roles in determining the outcome.

Most conversations about the Eagles’ offensive line begin with Jordan Mailata, Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson, and Cam Jurgens. That’s understandable. Tyler Steen, however, may have one of the most important jobs on the field Sunday.

Washington’s interior defensive line features Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and Tim Settle, a group that can disrupt the pocket and create problems in the running game. Philadelphia needs Steen to continue building on the progress he showed during training camp and preseason action. If the Eagles control the line of scrimmage, don’t be surprised if Steen’s performance is one of the biggest reasons why.

The Eagles have spent most of the offseason discussing Cooper DeJean’s versatility and Andrew Mukuba’s development. Meanwhile, Marcus Epps continues to do what he has always done: provide steady, reliable play.

The veteran safety understands the defense, communicates well, and rarely puts himself out of position. Against a quarterback as dynamic as Jayden Daniels, those traits become even more valuable.

Epps may never generate the excitement of some of Philadelphia’s younger defenders. Still, his experience and discipline could prove invaluable in a game where one busted coverage might be the difference.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. isn’t expected to be one of the defense’s featured players, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be involved. The Eagles have repeatedly praised his development, instincts, and preparation. While Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell will carry most of the workload, Trotter’s ability to contribute in rotational packages and on special teams could quietly affect field position and momentum.

Players like Trotter often don’t receive much attention until they make a key tackle on third down or force an offense into a difficult situation. Week 1 could present one of those opportunities.

Every successful offense needs players willing to embrace responsibilities that rarely appear in the box score. That’s where Johnny Mundt comes in.

The veteran tight end wasn’t brought to Philadelphia to catch eight passes a game. His value comes from blocking, handling physical assignments in the running game, and doing whatever the coaching staff asks of him.

If Saquon Barkley finds room to operate or the Eagles consistently move the chains in short-yardage situations, there’s a good chance Mundt helped create those opportunities. The best compliments for players in his role are often the ones fans never notice.

History suggests not every offseason addition along the edge will become a long-term answer. That’s how roster building works in the NFL. The Eagles are confident in Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, both of whom have shown signs of becoming impact players.

Still, pass-rush depth matters, especially over a 17-game season. That’s where A.J. Epenesa and Arnold Ebiketie come in.

Neither player is expected to carry the pass rush, but both were acquired to supplement it. If Washington commits additional attention to Smith and Hunt, opportunities could emerge for one of the newcomers to make an impact.

Philadelphia doesn’t need either player to become a star in Week 1. A timely pressure, a sack, or a key run stop might be enough to swing a critical possession.

The Eagles don’t need their under-the-radar contributors to dominate the game. They need them to do their jobs.

That’s often the difference between winning and losing in the NFL. The highlights may belong to Hurts, Barkley, or DeVonta Smith. Still, victories often come from guards winning difficult blocks, safeties preventing explosive plays, linebackers making key tackles, and role players capitalizing on limited opportunities.

If Philadelphia opens the season 1-0, don’t be surprised if several lesser-discussed Eagles helped make it happen.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Six under-the-radar Eagles to watch against the Commanders