3 under-the-radar Eagles who could swing Week 4 vs. Rams
· Yahoo Sports
When people start discussing X-factors for the Philadelphia Eagles, Britain Covey's name probably won't be mentioned among the first ten. Neither will Will Shipley's. Then, there's Jalyx Hunt. He might make the cut, but he hasn't generated the kind of numbers that would naturally put him at the center of the conversation.
And, how about Makai Lemon? His draft pedigree seems to disqualify him from the 'subradar' conversation, but he hasn't been discussed nearly as much as some thought he might be after a mostly quiet start to his career.
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That's what makes this group interesting. None needs to become the star of the afternoon. Philadelphia needs some of these lesser-mentioned players to make a few plays in the right moments against the Los Angeles Rams. That makes for some potentially moving conversation.
Britain Covey, punt returner (Practice Squad)
Saying Britain Covey must contribute might sound like asking too much of a punt returner. Still, if the Philadelphia offense gains traction and this game stays close, things could shift on special teams.
The last meeting between these teams ended with Jordan Davis' blocked field goal, the second of two blocks in the contest. Might this one shift with a Covey return? It's been a while, but he led the NFL in punt-return yardage in 2023 with 417 yards. That guy might still be in there somewhere.
Jalyx Hunt, EDGE
Last season, Hunt became the first Eagles player to lead the team in both sacks and interceptions in the same season. So far this year, with opposing teams surely aware of what he can do, they've neutralized him. Hunt hasn't generated a sack or interception through three games.
That isn't a knock on Hunt. The Eagles haven't forced any turnovers and have only three sacks, so their defensive problems extend well beyond one player. Still, after everything Hunt accomplished last season, he can be overlooked on a defense with stars everywhere. That's especially true now that Jonathan Greenard has been cleared to play and is back on the field.
No one needs a reminder that Los Angeles is explosive on offense. A few splash plays on defense would be what any good doctor orders, and he's kind of made his name by creating a few.
Possible wild card: Will Shipley, running back/kick returner
Will Shipley won't be given the bulk of the carries. That's obvious. Those will go to Saquon Barkley, while Tank Bigsby remains the primary complementary back.
Shipley has carried the ball nine times this season, with a high of seven during Barkley's brief absence in Week 2. His primary role is kick returner, so let's stick with the special-teams theory. Is he capable of a big return?
No one was expecting two field-goal blocks when these teams met last season. Perhaps Michael Clay's unit has another surprise or two in store this time around.
Makai Lemon, wide receiver
OK, so maybe calling a first-round draft choice “under the radar” is a little erroneous. Still, we haven't discussed Lemon much beyond some questionable decision-making during attempts to get him the football.
What we have learned, however, is that when the Eagles attempt a forward pass to Lemon beyond the line of scrimmage, good things tend to happen. He caught three passes for 29 yards in Week 3 and moved the chains twice, providing some evidence that his role may be beginning to evolve.
Could Week 4 bring the breakout performance Eagles fans have been clamoring for? Maybe the light bulb has come on in a few respects, and perhaps the Rams are about to find out.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 3 under-the-radar Eagles who could swing Week 4 vs. Rams