NEW ORLEANS – REED Blankenship was a part-time rookie player when the Philadelphia Super Bowl ran two years ago and went on the field for a defensive play against the Kansas City Chiefs.
That’s why he marveled at the impact Quy Nhon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean had, and marveled at the Eagles this season, and made his secondaries, the decisive weakness of last season, to a Super Bowl rematch with the Chiefs on Sunday. I changed it to a directional force.
“It’s crazy,” said Blankenship, who plays a major role as a freshman. “It’s great to see our rookies grow in their way. They play, study, ask veterinarian questions. They know what their job is. Knowing that, it makes my life so easy.”
Mitchell and Dejan are far from the only rookies who can play a key role on Sunday, and Kansas City’s first round receiver Xavier is worth developing into the majority of the passing game in recent weeks .
According to the NFL Nextgen Stats, Mitchell, who came in second in the AP NFL Defensive Blue Key of the Year poll, has allowed five catches on 15 targets for 24 yards this postseason. Mitchell was drafted in the first round despite playing college ball for Mac in Toledo, but soon became one of the better cornerbacks in the league.
“I’m just living the evidence that it doesn’t matter where you came from,” he said. “We just have to do a tough job and believe it.”
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Dejean helped boost his defense after getting his first start in Week 6, allowing only 97 yards on 15 targets this postseason.
Philadelphia’s Jalix Hunt became a key situation pass rusher late in the season, having the bag in a split round with the Rams. Will Shipley had a 57-yard run and a forced fumble with kick coverage, while Jeremiah Trotter played important plays on the special teams as GM Howey Roseman’s draft class provided.
“I made a big contribution from the rookie class,” coach Nick Silianni said. “It’s a homage to Howie and his staff of all the jobs they put in to put the right types of guys first and foremost. Talent only gets you the first part. You’re We need to have something else to get to where we are now.”
The Chiefs have no contributors from the draft class with safe Jaden Hick along with other key players. But the speedy worthy value that set the fastest 40-yard dash record at the combine last year could become one of the most important rookies on Sunday.
Kansas City traded up in the No. 28 draft last April, but there were questions about how his 165 pound frame will hold up in the more physical NFL.
“I was questioning the season,” he said. “Everyone said he wasn’t worthy of being a big receiver. He said he was too small and he was prone to injuries. I feel like everyone has proven wrong. And I’m going to continue to prove everyone wrong.”
Worthy is at his best in the second half of the season, leading the Chief with 10 TDs in the regular season and playoffs. He leads the team with 50 yards for 55 yards in his final nine games as he built a strong chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
“He’s getting better every week,” coach Andy Reed said. “He and Pat have an incredible relationship and have Pat’s trust. He needs time and work for the young receiver, and he did that.”
By Josh Dubou
