Tyler Owens only logged two tackles in the Commanders’ 24-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, but those numbers are a straight-up lie. Seriously, if you just looked at Owens’ stat line from Sunday, you’d think it was nothing special, right? WRONG. That box score absolutely does not tell the full story, not even close. This guy, an undrafted free agent from 2024 who literally fought his way onto the Commanders roster and stuck with the team, just dropped some absolutely massive special teams plays that are making waves across the league.
That Single Play That Made Everyone Stop Scrolling
Forget the stats for a second, because this tackle was something else entirely. Owens received mind blowing praise for a phenomenal special teams tackle, the kind of play you just *have* to rewatch. He aggressively fought off multiple blockers, not just one, but *multiple*, showing insane power and focus, before driving the runner straight into the ground for a textbook stop. It was pure, unadulterated grit, the kind of effort that makes you wanna run through a wall. And get this: NFL Hall of Famer and current broadcaster, JJ Watt, he saw it. Watt, a guy who has seen more football than most, did not hold back. He called it, straight up, “one of the greatest football plays I’ve ever seen.” Let that sink in. An NFL legend saying *that* about a special teams tackle from a player who only notched two official stats? Watt even added, “Every coach in America will be showing this rep to their team this week.” Even Tom Brady spoke positively about Owens’ play on the broadcast. This wasn’t some quiet moment; this was league legends demanding we pay attention.
When Two Tackles Show More Than Twenty
But wait, the story doesn’t end with one incredible moment. Owens wasn’t done showing out. While that first tackle drew all the headlines and high praise, his second tackle of the game, which also came on special teams, was equally as impressive. This time around, Owens didn’t even need to smash through a wall of blockers. Nope. He just ran right around them, pure speed and anticipation, then made another great tackle when the returner tried to put a move on him. The dude was absolutely everywhere, showing incredible effort and unwavering determination on both plays. It is crystal clear the box score totally did not do Owens justice in Week 1. This isn’t a new phenomenon either. Owens has made his presence felt on special teams over the years, ever since he first joined the Commanders as an undrafted free agent back in 2024. He might only have one start under his belt, but his impact has always been undeniable. Now, finally, after all that work, he is starting to get some real, well-deserved recognition for it.
That box score absolutely did not do Owens justice in Week 1, and with NFL legends like Watt and Brady hyping him up, this could genuinely be the moment Owens finally gets the sustained recognition he deserves after years of grinding it out on special teams. He has stuck with the Commanders, proving his worth, and it truly feels like the entire league is finally taking notice of what this guy brings to the field.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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