Week 1 is here and it is beautiful! The Eagles start their 2024 season against an up-and-coming Packers team. More interestingly, the game is on a Friday and is in Brazil. Most interesting (to me, anyway) is that the Eagles’ rookies are making their first regular-season appearance in their careers. Here are some things I’m keeping an eye on in this exciting debut for Philadelphia’s first year.

The defensive backs of course…

Among the Eagles’ rookies, their two talented defensive backs deserve the most attention.

Quinyon Mitchell is expected to start at outside cornerback opposite Darius Slay and has the potential to play snaps in the slot as well. The Packers have a handful of really solid receivers, none of whom are easy for a rookie cornerback to catch. Additionally, Jordan Love is an up-and-coming quarterback and could really challenge the Eagles secondary. Quinyon Mitchell has a great chance to make an impact in Week 1.

Cooper DeJean played little in the preseason due to an injury, but was able to shine in a few appearances in the final. His role in defense is not yet defined. With James Bradberry on the injured list, DeJean could provide more depth at both the safety and nickelback positions.

Will Jeremiah Trotter Junior be seen on defense?

Devin White has been ruled out, meaning the starting inside linebackers will be Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean. That means the chance of seeing Jeremiah Trotter Junior in sub packages increases. Baun is less proven in the room and the Eagles could go without him in 4-2-5 games and put Trotter on the field.