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Cooper Dejean of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Cooper DeJean’s Week 16 performance against the Washington Commanders earned him his first-ever NFC Defensive Player of the Week award.
The Philadelphia Eagles cornerback finished with four tackles, four passes defensed and a late third-quarter interception in Philly’s 29-18 win. DeJean is the third defensive player for Philly to receive the award this year, along with fellow corner Quinyon Mitchell and defensive tackle Jordan Davis.
DeJean’s interception came at a critical juncture in the game against Washington. The second-year DB took the ball away near midfield, giving Jalen Hurts and the offense good field position to start the fourth quarter. Hurts and company capitalized, punching it in with a decisive Saquon Barkley TD.
More on Eagles CB Cooper DeJean Winning NFC’s Defensive Player of the Year Award vs. Commanders
GettyCooper Dejean of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass against the Washington Commanders. He won NFC Defensive Player of the Week Honors for his performance.
What stood out in that game was how frequently DeJean was tested. Washington targeted him 10 times, according to PFF, the most he has been thrown at all year. He allowed four catches for 32 yards all game, consistently arriving right on time while also forcing some throws into increasingly tight windows.
Allowing just one passing TD in 75 targets all season, DeJean has been one of the Eagles’ most versatile defensive pieces, handling responsibilities inside and outside while also remaining heavily involved against the run. Through 15 games, he has 84 total tackles (four for loss), a forced fumble, 16 pass breakups and two picks.
DeJean was also given another honor this week when he was voted into the 2026 Pro Bowl. It’ll be his first selection
“I think understanding what offenses like to do situationally is where I have grown a lot,” DeJean said about his growth in Year 2, via the team’s official website. “Just understanding difference situations throughout the game. I feel like I’ve grown a lot and I’ve got a lot more comfortable in Year 2, having a year under my belt.”
A Glimpse at What’s Ahead for DeJean & the Eagles
Philadelphia has two regular season games remaining. Week 17 brings a huge road matchup against the 11-4 Buffalo Bills, who have been dominant at Highmark Stadium (they have a 6–1 home record). The Bills have a league-best rushing offense that averages 158.9 yards per game, while scoring 28.9 points per game (fourth in the NFL).
Philadelphia, meanwhile, comes in at 10–5 and is averaging 23.3 points per game. The Eagles’ defense has allowed roughly 13 points per game over the last three weeks, so it should be fascinating to see how Vic Fangio prepares DeJean and company for the likes of reigning MVP Josh Allen.
If the Eagles can force long downs and steal a possession or two, they should be able to keep pace, but if the Bills dictate early and are successful in the ground game, Buffalo will be very difficult to stop.
Philly closes the season Week 18 with a quick rematch against the Commanders. It should be another winnable game, but nothing is a given.
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