Big Dreams

PHILADELPHIA — Remembering back to his days as a wrestler for McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Md., where he was a two-time state champion, P.J. Mustipher used his leverage to dip under the scrum and bottle up Patriots running back Antonio Gibson for no gain on Thursday night in a preseason game.

The burly defensive tackle employed a similar technique the following series, abiding by a mano-a-mano mentality, defeating blocks and demonstrating textbook pad level to burrow beneath the pile, this time teaming with rookie Jalyx Hunt to limit Pats running back Rhamondre Stevenson to a three-yard pickup.

Even when he wasn’t halting the running game and collecting stats, Mustipher was space-eating, showcasing active hands, a powerful base and unrelenting effort, slipping behind the line of scrimmage and clearing a path for teammates to clean up.

Mustipher, playing for his third team since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023, flashed the sense of urgency with which many young players approach the preseason – where every play feels like an audition for a chance to preserve your NFL dream.

But Mustipher, a young journeyman, is a special case, not only scratching and clawing for a roster spot amid a crowded house of defensive linemen, but fighting for staying power.

The intensity and anxiousness that accompany an uncertain future is often heightened at this time every summer.

For Mustipher, it manifested in a chippy 1-on-1 rep Saturday against offensive lineman Brett Toth, with Toth providing an extra push after the rep and Mustipher taking exception and returning the shove.

“It’s a part of the NFL,” Mustipher acknowledged after Saturday’s reconvening following an off Friday. “I was undrafted, so when I first stepped on an NFL field, I knew what this business was like. It’s cutthroat, but it’s always been a dream of mine to be here. So, I’m gonna take the ups and the downs with it.”

ITB PHOTO/ANDREW DICECCO: Eagles DT PJ Mustipher is raising some eyebrows as he vies for a spot on the 53-man roster.

Enticed by a scheme similar to the one learned with the Denver Broncos last summer under Vance Joseph, Mustipher bypassed other offers in free agency for a chance to stabilize his career in Philadelphia, believing Vic Fangio’s defense gives him an opportunity to get off the ball and jolt centers and guards backwards while creating lanes to free up teammates.

In direct competition with Mustipher are fourth-year pro Marlon Tuipulotu and Thomas Booker IV, the latter or which has provided a flurry of bright moments throughout camp.

Working in Mustipher’s favor, however, is the Eagles’ lack of a backup nose tackle. If they covet a player to fill that void on the 53-man roster, the Eagles could have to decide between Mustipher and Tuipulotu.

Mustipher is building momentum at the right time.

”We’re still competing out here. It’s a great, deep d-line room. It’s one of the best I’ve been in since I’ve been in the league. So, I’m just excited, man. Each and every day we go out — you turn on the tape after practice and everybody’s popping.

“The competition is still rollin,’ but you gotta appreciate that. That’s why we’re here.”

Mustipher, 25, leaves no stone unturned when leaning on his resources.

He talks to his brother Sam, currently a Broncos center, every day.

Sam, older by three years, has helped him through the entire process, offering tips of the trade from a different perspective. The brothers, who train together in the offseason, also share a living space.

As for their opposing positions, the younger Mustipher chalks that up to his own upbeat personality and affinity for causing havoc, while also attributing to Sam’s more laid-back, measured, intelligent characteristics leading his older brother to the offensive side.

While Mustipher has leaned on his family ties and position group for guidance — he cites Jordan Davis as being particularly helpful — he’s also grown and refined his game through competing against mammoth interior linemen, such as Landon Dickerson and Mekhi Becton.

The o-lineman challenge his will power, as well as mental and physical toughness each rep. It personifies the old “iron sharpens iron” cliche, but Mustipher has seen the benefits.

“It’s phenomenal,” he said. “I think the Eagles definitely have one of the best — if not the best — offensive line in the league. So, anytime you can get those reps, you just gotta take advantage of them because it’s only gonna make you better.”

Short on time, and under the constant watchful eye of evaluators, Mustipher has only one game and a handful of practices remaining on the docket to state his case for a roster spot.

The Penn State product has maximized the reps afforded and brings a certain hunger elicited from a chip on the shoulder, a vulnerability that typically lends itself to never becoming complacent.

But even with so much at stake, pressure has become old hat for Mustipher, who’s taking it all in stride.

“You just gotta do your job,” he said. “And do your job to the best of your ability. And that’s what I try to do, I try to continue to go out there and get better each and every day. If I can continue to do that, I’m not worried about the outcome. Me playing better helps everybody else. And vice versa.”

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.