The Philadelphia Eagles have no shortage of star power. Jalen Hurts remains one of the NFL's premier quarterbacks. Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jalen Carter, Zack Baun, and Quinyon Mitchell are among the players opposing coaches spend most of their week discussing.
That's one reason Philadelphia enters most games as a favorite, and why they'll do so again in Week 2. The Eagles can win because their roster is better than most. NFL seasons, however, are rarely that simple. Successful teams also rely on role players, rotational contributors, and developing talent to make timely plays when opportunities arise.
The Tennessee Titansenter Week 2 looking to rebound after a disappointing opening-week loss. Philadelphia has the more talented
squad on paper, but road victories rarely come down to big names alone. If the Eagles improve to 2-0, don't be surprised if a few lesser-discussed contributors help make it happen.
Darius Cooper, wide receiver
Darius Cooper logged only eight offensive snaps in Week 1, but he also contributed heavily on special teams, playing 21 snaps there. The Eagles clearly trust him enough to give him a role on game day. The next step is seeing whether he can contribute offensively.
Philadelphia's passing attack naturally revolves around its stars. Makai Lemon is the first-rounder, so he'll play. Still, defenses often devote extra attention to those players. That can create opportunities for complementary receivers willing to capitalize on favorable matchups.
The Titans will understandably focus on limiting the Eagles' marquee names. If that happens, Cooper could quietly find himself in position to make a meaningful contribution. It doesn't have to be a huge statistical performance. One key third-down catch or a timely explosive play could be enough to justify a larger role moving forward.
Drew Kendall, offensive guard
Drew Kendall may be one of the most important under-the-radar players on the roster this week. After Landon Dickerson battled through an uneven opener and is no longer available, Philadelphia needs someone who can stabilize the interior of the offensive line.
Replacing a player of Dickerson's caliber isn't easy, but there is an argument that a fresh and healthy Kendall could provide a spark. Offensive line play often comes down to consistency, communication, and avoiding negative plays. The Eagles don't need Kendall to dominate. They need him to do his job and help the offense function smoothly.
The matchup becomes even more important against a Tennessee defensive front anchored by Jeffery Simmons. Philadelphia's offensive success starts with winning at the line of scrimmage, and Kendall's performance could play a larger role in that outcome than many fans realize. If the Eagles leave Nashville with a victory, don't be surprised if the young guard's contribution is part of the reason why.
Byron Young, defensive tackle
The Eagles' defensive line remains one of the deepest groups in football, but Week 1 illustrated how demanding the workload can become for the starters. Byron Young played only six defensive snaps against Washington, though that number could increase as the season progresses. Remember when he dove for that interception vs. the Dallas Cowboys early last season and almost came up with it?
Philadelphia asks a lot from Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. Both players can dominate stretches of a game, but the Eagles also need to keep them fresh over four quarters and across a 17-game season.
That's where Young becomes important. Tennessee's offense is expected to feature a healthy dose of Tony Pollard and a commitment to establishing the run. If Young can provide quality rotational snaps and help hold the point of attack, he can make life easier for the stars around him. His impact may not generate headlines, but it could help ensure Carter and Davis remain at their best when the game reaches its most important moments.
Final thought
One reason Philadelphia entered the season with championship expectations is that the roster extends well beyond its biggest names. The Eagles don't need their supporting cast to become stars. They need those players to capitalize on opportunities when they arrive.
Week 2 presents several chances for that to happen. Maybe Cooper makes a timely catch or helps sustain a drive. Maybe Young strengthens the defensive line rotation, or Kendall helps solidify the offensive front.
The Titans will spend most of their week preparing for Hurts, Barkley, Brown, Smith, and Carter. That's understandable. The challenge for Tennessee is that Philadelphia's roster is built to win with more than its stars, and those lesser-discussed contributors could play an important role in determining Sunday's outcome.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles vs. Titans: Three under-the-radar standouts to watch
