Eagles rookie Quinyon Mitchell clamps down Mike Evans, then lets him know it

Ryan OLeary

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Eagles rookie Quinyon Mitchell clamps down Mike Evans, then lets him know it image

It’s been a rough start to 2024 for fans of the Philadelphia Eagles, but they can hang their hats on one thing entering the bye week.

First-round rookie Quniyon Mitchell looks — and sounds — the part of a franchise outside corner. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans, a future Hall of Famer with 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and a Super Bowl ring on his resume, was mic’d up for last week’s win over the Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. 

Evans didn’t see a ton of Mitchell in the game, but according to PFF, he managed just two catches for 19 yards on four targets in matchups with the star Eagles rookie. Mitchell had a pass breakup on Evans in the end zone that led to some chirps between the two on the way back to their respective huddles.

Evans turns toward Mitchell and throws the first jab: “You easy. You easy as (expletive) to get open on.” 

Mitchell responds hilariously with a calm, “oh, really?”

"How many catches you got on me?” Mitchell goes on to ask Evans. “You got one catch.”

Evans didn’t have a great comeback for that one, responding with a simple: “You know who I am, right?”

Four games into his pro career, Mitchell is making a name for himself as one of the few bright spots on a struggling Eagles defense. He’s committed just one penalty and hasn’t allowed a touchdown in coverage to date. Per PFF, he’s graded out higher than veteran Darius Slay in coverage so far this season, and is the Eagles’ fifth highest graded defender overall.

Evans can tell Mitchell he’s never heard of him all he wants. The arrow is pointing up on the former Toledo star, and it’s only a matter of time before the NFL world takes notice.

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Ryan OLeary

Ryan OLeary Photo

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.