PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It was a subtle exchange Thursday night in the increasing quiet of a locker room that, moments before, had been blaring Stevie Wonder's greatest hits through the sound system to mark a major win.
"Hey, Coop," said Quinyon Mitchell, getting ready to leave. "You got any cologne?"
The question was directed at Cooper DeJean, who occupies a stall next to Mitchell's, both at Lincoln Financial Field, where the Philadelphia Eagles had beaten division challenger Washington earlier that night, and at the NovaCare Complex, the Eagles' practice facility.
"Yeah," DeJean said. "You need some?"
He handed Mitchell a black, travel-size spray bottle for a spritz.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell walks off the field after a victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field.Bill Streicher/Imagn Images
Sharing has been the defining relationship dynamic between Mitchell and DeJean.
They're part of the same rookie class, drafted by the Eagles in the first and second rounds, respectively, this past spring.
They share the same position — cornerback.
Now, with the Eagles rolling, Mitchell and DeJean also share the status of starters in the defensive backfield.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean (33) and cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) tackle Washington Commanders offensive tackle Brandon Coleman (74) at Lincoln Financial Field.Eric Hartline/Imagn Images
Their contributions this season, the most recent of which came that day in the Eagles' 26-18 victory over the Commanders, have been vital to reviving their team's Super Bowl dreams following a bumpy 2-2 start.
The Eagles have won six in a row and now control first place in the NFC East.
"We'll be out there on the field, and I'll be talking to him," said DeJean, describing one of his interactions with Mitchell, "and he's like, 'We're really in the NFL right now, playing on an NFL field against the best players in the world.'"
However much awe their new gigs inspire, Mitchell and DeJean don't seem phased. Between the lines, it's all business.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images
Against Washington, Mitchell shut down Pro Bowl wideout Terry McLaurin. The veteran was targeted zero times with Mitchell defending him, further bolstering Mitchell's bid for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
DeJean, by virtue of playing the slot, assumes a slightly different role. Not only is DeJean critical to defending the pass, he also has to step in against the run.
His versatility has been on full display in recent weeks. He posted pass break-ups against Cincinnati and Jacksonville, then recovered a fumble in Dallas.
The duo's impact has helped turn the Eagles' defense into a top-ranked unit.
"Shoutout to 'Q' and 'Coop,'" said running back Saquon Barkley. "They're balling out."
According to DeJean, as connected as he and Mitchell are on the field, they mostly keep to themselves off of it. "We spend a lot of time together here, but we text back and forth, whether it's about football or not."
The next two weeks promise to test the tandem even more. The Rams' quarterback, Matthew Stafford, and their favorite weapons, wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, lurk this Sunday in Los Angeles.
Then Mitchell, DeJean, and the Eagles head to Baltimore, where they'll have to deal with quarterback Lamar Jackson, wide receiver Zay Flowers, and the rest of the Ravens' passing attack.
Mitchell and DeJean are taking their breakout season in stride. They understand that success can be fleeting in the NFL, especially at cornerback, where short-term memory is essential.
Comfort and confidence has been bred through a promising partnership.
"It's cool to have him there," DeJean said of Mitchell. "To do all this with him, learn with him, and grow with him."
To learn more about the growth of the Eagles' up-and-coming secondary pairing, check out the latest reporting from The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane on a new edition of "unCovering the Birds."
Also in this episode, Jeff shines the spotlight on running back Kenny Gainwell, and an area where the second-stringer has fared better than top rusher Saquon Barkley.
Plus, Jeff shares three reasons why he thinks the Eagles could make a legit push for the No. 1 playoff seed in the NFC — and three more why the team could fall short.
"unCovering the Birds" is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes each week during the regular season. Follow on the free Audacy app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you listen to podcasts.
