Eagles Week 6 snap counts: Cooper DeJean rarely leaves field in win over Browns

Ryan OLeary

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Eagles Week 6 snap counts: Cooper DeJean rarely leaves field in win over Browns image

Rookie Cooper DeJean finally got a chance to play a meaningful role on defense for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. 

His performance in Philly’s 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns has to make fans wonder what took so long. 

The No. 40 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft was excellent in his first NFL start, playing 91.2 percent of the Eagles defensive snaps, primarily in the nickelback role.

DeJean was solid in coverage, finished fourth on the team in tackles, and was used as blitzer multiple times, combining for a sack with teammate Bryce Huff against struggling Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.

DeJean had been playing behind veteran Avonte Maddox in recent weeks, but that changed drastically in Week 6. The former Iowa Hawkeyes star played 52 defensive snaps compared to Maddox’s two.

Here’s a full snap count breakdown from a win that pushed the Eagles to 3-2 on the season.

Eagles Week 6 defensive snap counts

  • Zack Baun, LB — 57
  • C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S — 57
  • Reed Blankenship, S — 57
  • Quinyon Mitchell, CB — 57
  • Nakobe Dean, LB — 55
  • Cooper DeJean, CB — 52
  • Jalen Carter, DT — 43
  • Josh Sweat, EDGE — 39
  • Bryce Huff, EDGE — 31
  • Darius Slay, CB — 29
  • Milton Williams, DT — 26
  • Brandon Graham, EDGE — 23
  • Isaiah Rodgers, CB — 22
  • Moro Ojomo, DT — 21
  • Jordan Davis, DT —21
  • Nolan Smith, EDGE — 21
  • Thomas Booker IV, DT — 8
  • Kelee Ringo, CB — 6
  • Avonte Maddox, CB — 2

Huff had his best day, notably out-snapping both Brandon Graham and Nolan Smith.

Eagles fans have been begging the Eagles to use Huff more like the New York Jets did during his career year in 2023 — and it appears they listened against the Browns. He was used more like a straight pass rusher in this game, often lining up in a four-point stance.

Veteran corner Isaiah Rodgers played a season-high 22 snaps after starter Darius Slay was forced out with a knee injury in the third quarter. 

Eagles Week 6 offensive snap counts

  • Jalen Hurts, QB — 62
  • Landon Dickerson, G — 62
  • Lane Johnson, RT — 62
  • Mekhi Becton, RG — 62
  • DeVonta Smith, WR — 62
  • Cam Jurgens, C — 62
  • A.J. Brown, WR — 57
  • Grant Calcaterra, TE — 57
  • Saquon Barkley, RB — 49
  • Jordan Mailata, LT — 49
  • Jack Stoll, TE — 39
  • Jahan Dotson, WR — 22
  • Fred Johnson, LT — 13
  • Kenneth Gainwell, RB  — 13
  • Johnny Wilson, WR — 4
  • Dallas Goedert, TE — 3
  • Reed Blankenship, S — 3
  • Tyler Steen, G — 1

Injuries continue to dominate the conversation for the Eagles on offense.

The big news Sunday was left tackle Jordan Mailata missing his first snaps of the season with a hamstring injury. He was forced out in the fourth quarter and replaced by Fred Johnson.

The Eagles were also without starting tight end Dallas Goedert for the majority of this game, as he exited in the first quarter with a hamstring issue of his own. 

The good news? DeVonta Smith returned from the concussion that kept him out Week 4 and was on the field for every offensive snap. He scored against the Browns, as did A.J. Brown, who looked 100 percent healthy and was back to his usual dominant ways.

Even with Goedert out of the lineup, the Eagles went with heavier formations in this game, keeping tight ends Grant Calcaterra (92% of snaps) and Jack Stoll (63%) on the field.

That meant a significant playing time reduction for wide receivers Jahan Dotson (35.4%) and rookie Johnny Wilson.

More Philadelphia Eagles news:

Eagles predicted to part ways with $42M cornerback at NFL trade deadline

Cooper DeJean’s timeline to first Eagles start: From offseason injury to awkward NFL debut

Ex-NFL exec: Eagles the frontrunner for superstar safety at trade deadline

Ryan OLeary

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Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.