Cooper DeJean continues to be the difference maker for the Philadelphia Eagles defense in 37-17 victory over the Bengals

The Philadelphia Eagles are flying high after a dominant 37-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, pushing their post-bye record to 3-0. But the real story might just be the defense, which has looked completely revitalized since rookie Cooper DeJean joined the starting lineup.

DeJean’s absence from the first few games was frustrating, to say the least, especially with the defense struggling in multiple areas—pass coverage, pressure, and tackling were all major concerns early on. But since the Week 6 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, DeJean has made his presence felt in a big way.

In that Browns game, DeJean put up six tackles and notched his first career sack. In his three starts so far, he’s added 10 solo tackles to his stat sheet, including a massive fourth-down stop against Bengals star receiver Ja’Marr Chase on Sunday. DeJean read the play perfectly, making a tackle in space that swung the momentum in Philly’s favor.

Cooper DeJean on Ja’Marr Chase

It’s not just the tackling, though—DeJean has proven he can cover, too. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s given up just three receiving yards on 28 coverage snaps in his first two starts against Cleveland and the New York Giants.

Cooper DeJean and fellow rookie Quinyon Mitchell have allowed 10 receptions on 19 targets for 62 yards combined over their last three games, according to Next Gen Stats.

Cooper DeJean should have picked off Joe Burrow

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has also utilized DeJean as a blitzer, and the rookie has stepped up against the run with three stuffs going into the Bengals matchup. Simply put, he’s been a do-it-all weapon for the defense.

Cooper DeJean Open Field Tackle Saves Touchdown

DeJean’s limited snaps early in the season were due to missed practice time in training camp, but he’s now unleashed, and it’s paying off big time.

On Sunday against the Bengals, DeJean logged 41 (81%) of the Eagles’ defensive snaps. Fangio’s patience has given way to a breakout rookie who’s making plays all over the field. If DeJean keeps this up, the Eagles’ defense could be the difference-maker in what’s shaping up to be a special season.

On the offensive side, Jalen Hurts and company are finding their rhythm at just the right time. Hurts put together one of his most complete performances against Cincinnati, spreading the ball around, making big throws, and leading the offense with confidence.

He’s Back: Jalen Hurts dominates as Eagles blowout Bengals 37-17

It was the kind of game Eagles fans have been waiting to see, and it’s happening just as the team is building momentum.

Now sitting at 5-2, the Eagles head into Week 9 with a home showdown against old friend Doug Pederson and the reeling Jacksonville Jaguars.

With DeJean bringing an extra spark to the defense and Hurts clicking on all cylinders, Philly suddenly feels like a serious threat in the NFC.

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