UPDATE: Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis has just made franchise history by winning the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award, marking a significant milestone in what has been a standout season for the 25-year-old defensive star. This recognition comes after Davis batted down three passes in the Eagles’ 16-9 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday night.
Davis, who has transformed his game this season, has become the first player in Eagles history to earn both the Defensive Player of the Week and Special Teams Player of the Week honors in the same season. He previously secured the latter accolade for blocking a field goal and returning it for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3.
The former first-round pick from Georgia is enjoying a career year, tallying six batted passes and three sacks over just ten games. Out of 105 defensive tackles with at least 200 snaps, Davis ranks an impressive 14th in PFF defensive grade. His remarkable performance comes after a challenging start to his NFL career, but a transformative offseason saw him shed 26 pounds, enhancing his agility and performance on the field.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni praised Davis, stating, “Proud of him because I think what a great example of the world that we live in today. He had to go through some ups and downs… He’s got himself in the best shape of his life.” Sirianni emphasized the hard work Davis has put in to earn this recognition, highlighting the importance of dedication and resilience.
In a recent interview, Davis reflected on the significance of his NFC Defensive Player of the Week award, stating, “Individual accolades come and go.” He expressed gratitude towards his teammates, emphasizing that their camaraderie and support are vital to his success. “At the end of the day, it wouldn’t mean as much without those guys that I play with… I enjoy playing for this team,” he said.
Davis further attributed his motivation to improve his physical condition and performance to his teammates, saying, “The biggest reason why I wanted to change my body and change the way that I play was because of the team. I wanted to be the best player I could be for the team.”
As the Eagles prepare for their upcoming games, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching Davis’s continued growth on the field. This pivotal moment not only showcases Davis’s individual accomplishments but also underscores the collective effort of the Eagles’ defense this season.
Stay tuned for more developments as the Eagles aim to capitalize on this momentum in the weeks ahead.