Every year, the NFL hosts its prestigious 'NFL Honors' ceremony, a night dedicated to celebrating the league's top players, standout performances, and most memorable plays of the season. Tonight is that night, and while no Eagles players are in the running for awards this year (unlike last year, when four players were nominated for five awards), Assistant Coach Vic Fangio is up for Assistant Coach of the Year. But fear not, Eagles fans—we're here to give our own team the recognition they deserve with an Eagles-only awards ceremony. And trust us, it's going to be a lot kinder than the one we published on Monday (https://www.phillyvoice.com/handing-out-10-awards-eagles-2025-season/). But here's where it gets controversial: who truly deserves the title of MVP, and did the offense really squander the defense's Super Bowl-worthy season?
Most Valuable Player: CB Quinyon Mitchell
Quinyon Mitchell emerged as a bona fide star in 2025. While he didn’t record any regular-season interceptions, his impact was undeniable. According to PFF, he allowed just 36 completions on 82 targets for 389 yards and 0 touchdowns (a stellar 58.4 passer rating). He also racked up 17 pass breakups, often while shadowing the opposing team’s top receiver. And this is the part most people miss: despite finally giving up a touchdown in the Wild Card Round, he also delivered 2 interceptions and a forced fumble that prevented crucial points in that game.
Coach of the Year: DC Vic Fangio
Let’s be honest—this award isn’t going to anyone on the offensive side of the ball. The Eagles boasted one of the NFL’s best defenses, which was all the more impressive considering how often the offense went three-and-out. Frankly, the offense wasted what could have been a Super Bowl-caliber season from Fangio and his defensive unit. But here’s the question: Did the offense truly let the defense down, or were expectations unfairly high?
Comeback Player of the Year: Nakobe Dean
Brandon Graham’s return from retirement is a feel-good story, but Nakobe Dean takes this one. After recovering from a torn patellar tendon, Dean played a larger role in the defense than Graham, logging 55 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in just 10 games. He also established himself as one of the NFL’s premier blitzing linebackers.
Breakout Player of the Year: Jalyx Hunt
From Week 7 onward, Jalyx Hunt was everywhere. In the Eagles’ final 11 games, he recorded 38 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 19 QB hits, 3 interceptions (including a pick-six), a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and 3 pass breakups. What’s most impressive? His versatility—he’s equally adept at rushing the passer, stopping the run, and dropping into coverage, a rarity for an edge defender.
Offensive Player of the Year: DeVonta Smith
There’s no clear-cut choice here, but DeVonta Smith gets the nod. He led the team with 1,008 receiving yards and, unlike his counterpart A.J. Brown, managed to stay out of the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. But is that enough to earn him this title, or did other players simply underperform?
Defensive Player of the Year: CB Cooper DeJean
While Quinyon Mitchell deserves all the praise, let’s give Cooper DeJean his due. DeJean had a monster season with 93 tackles, 16 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble. He’s one of the NFL’s best tackling cornerbacks and a true Swiss Army knife, capable of playing outside corner, slot corner, safety, and even linebacker-like roles.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: iOL Drew Kendall
With the Eagles drafting defensive players in their first five picks, the options here are limited. It’s essentially a toss-up between Drew Kendall and undrafted WR Darius Cooper. While Cooper had a crucial taunting penalty against the Commanders that derailed a goal-to-go situation, Kendall played just 89 snaps and looked… fine. I’m giving it to Kendall because I think he has a better long-term future. But is that enough to justify this award, or did Cooper’s mistake overshadow his potential?
Defensive Rookie of the Year: LB Jihaad Campbell
Before Nakobe Dean returned to the starting lineup, Jihaad Campbell was a force in the Eagles’ first seven games, recording 43 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and several pass breakups. If he’d started the whole season, he might have been in the running for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. What’s more impressive? His maturity after being demoted—he didn’t complain and was ready to step up when Dean got injured later in the season.
Clutch Performance of the Year: Moro Ojomo’s 4th and 1 Stop Against the Packers
In a pivotal moment in Green Bay, Moro Ojomo called out the Packers’ play on a 4th and 1, shouting, 'INSIDE ZONE THIS WAY!' before the snap. He then burst into the backfield, shutting down the play and securing the ball for the Eagles. It was a game-changing moment that showcased his instincts and awareness.
Moment of the Year: Jordan Davis’ Blocked Field Goal Return for a TD vs. the Rams
In an otherwise forgettable season, Jordan Davis’ blocked field goal return for a touchdown against the Rams was pure magic. It was the kind of play that reminds you why you love football.
Celly (Celebration) of the Year: Dallas Goedert’s 'Baby Spike'
After scoring a touchdown, new dad Dallas Goedert rocked an imaginary baby to sleep, held it up like Simba in The Lion King, and then… spiked it. It was hilarious, creative, and perfectly executed. I legitimately laughed out loud in the press box.
Unstoppable Performance of the Year: The Eagles’ Defense vs. the Raiders
Yes, the Raiders had the worst offense in the NFL in 2025, but shutting out any team is no small feat. The Eagles not only held them to zero points but also limited them to just 75 total yards (46 rushing, 29 passing). It was a dominant performance that deserves recognition, even if the competition was subpar.
Final Thoughts: Did the Eagles’ defense save their season, or did the offense let them down? Let us know in the comments!
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