Eagles' former UDFA Reed Blankenship receives highest grade following impressive Week 1 performance
Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship was one of many bright spots in the team's 34-29 win over the Green Bay Packers in Brazil, but according to Pro Football Focus, he was the brightest. Blankenship played all 67 defensive snaps where he was credited with five tackles, three assists, one pass breakup and one interception. He […]
Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship was one of many bright spots in the team's 34-29 win over the Green Bay Packers in Brazil, but according to Pro Football Focus, he was the brightest.
Blankenship played all 67 defensive snaps where he was credited with five tackles, three assists, one pass breakup and one interception. He allowed just three targets for five yards and no interceptions for a passer rating of just 30.6 against Jordan Love.
His outstanding performance earned him an 89.7 grade from PFF, marking the highest on the team.
While Blankenship made several plays against the Packers, his most impactful one and the turning point of the game came in the third quarter when the Eagles were trailing by two points and he picked off Love.
His interception led to running back Saquon Barkley rushing in a touchdown two plays later.
“I wouldn’t say there was any pressure, but absolutely, the turnover battle was definitely uneven and we needed some sort of momentum play,” Blankenship said after the game. “We were fortunate enough to make it. I just didn’t make it. Everybody else played a part in it too. We play as a team and we win as a team.”
It was the perfect start to the season after the Eagles had just nine interceptions as a team in 2023 with Blankenship owning three of them.
Blankenship now has five career interceptions and hopefully, that number will only grow from here, but he won't be chasing it.
“You can’t chase plays all the time,” Blankenship said. “It’s hard. Once you start chasing plays, you get out of position and stuff. It goes back to your technique and natural instincts. If you’re in the right position and everybody else is doing their job, then you have a chance.”
Blankenship Went Undrafted in 2022
Blankenship comes with a cool underdog backstory after he originally signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee State in 2022.
Following a competitive training camp, he was just one of three UDFAs who made the Eagles' roster as a rookie that season.
In 2023, Blankenship became a full-time starter for the Birds. He started in 15 of 17 games and recorded a team-high 108 total tackles, 11 passes defended, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
His consistency over the last two years earned him a one-year extension worth up $5,2 million this past offseason, which keeps him in Philly through 2025.
