There are only three undefeated teams in the NFL going into Week 4 and the Philadelphia Eagles are one of them.
Not that it's a surprise. Philadelphia made it to the Super Bowl last year. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receiver AJ Brown and a formidable defense all returned with an eye on unfinished business.
But after three weeks, it hasn't all been about the start faces. There are unsung heros across the lineup who are due plenty of the credit for a perfect start.
Eagles unsung hero from 3-0 start: Reed Blankenship
Safety Reed Blankenship was one of the Eagles' top defenders in the season opener and he returned from injury on Monday Night Football to prove he's a legitimate playmaker in the secondary.
Blankenship intercepted Baker Mayfield in the first half, giving the Eagles a needed turnover to protect a seven-point lead. He also led the team with seven tackles, including six solo tackles and a tackle for loss.
The 2022 undrafted free agent started four games last year and impressed enough to enter the 2023 season as a full-time starter. He paid off the team's faith in him in Week 1 with 12 tackles and two pass breakups. That was no fluke.
Even though Blankenship couldn't play in Week 2, he's more than proven his worth in the two games he has played. Pro Football Focus grades him eighth among safeties in the league so far.
Eagles unsung hero from 3-0 start: Nicholas Morrow
When Nakobe Dean went down injured, the Eagles linebacker situation could have become a huge worry. But it hasn't, in part because Nicholas Morrow has stepped into place and played at a high level.
Morrow emerged as a key defensive figure over the last two weeks after being cut at the end of training camp and landing on the practice squad. Called into action in Week 2, he recovered a fumble and locked two QB pressures and a QB hit. In Week 3 against Tampa Bay, he was even more impactful with two tackles for loss, including a safety.
Talk about taking your opportunity when presented. Morrow went from having his career in question to starting games for a Super Bowl contender and looking like he more than belongs. It was clear he could be a productive linebacker with 116 tackles for the Bears last year but the 2023 version of Morrow looks like he's been unlocked in a defense that actually makes plays.
It'll be interesting to see what the Eagles do when Dean comes back, but for now, Morrow is the guy at middle linebacker and he's playing his way into a role for the rest of the season.
Eagles unsung hero from 3-0 start: Jake Elliott
Special teamers often don't ge the credit they deserve. The importance of Eagles kicker Jake Elliott shouldn't be overlooked.
Elliott has been money for Philadelphia so far this year. He has just one miss on 10 total attempts and that was a 55-yarder against the Vikings. He went on to hit a 61-yarder at going into halftime of that game to make up for it.
The range of the kicker was also on display in Week 1. Since the Eagles offense couldn't find the endzone in the second half against the Patriots, they relied on Elliott to hit field goals of 56, 48 and 51 yards. In a five-point win, having a kicker who can reliably hit from that distance is everything.
Philadelphia's win over the Bucs was more comfortable but special teams was still a major contributor to victory. With Jalen Hurts dealing with an illness, the Eagles needed Elliott to boot through three kicks and he took care of business.
Look around the league each year and you'll see teams who have to hold their breath every time the kicker comes onto the field. The Eagles don't need to do that.
