PHILADELPHIA — All was (generally) quiet on New Year’s Day, one exception being the Eagles’ NovaCare Complex, as the team continued its preparation ahead of Sunday’s regular season finale at Lincoln Financial Field against the Washington Commanders.
It was learned earlier this week that the team will prioritize health in Week 18, resting several key starters, creating an opportunity for reserves to see expanded role on game day. That includes rookie cornerback Mac McWilliams, whose last down of football was taken Oct. 26.
McWilliams, who dressed last week but didn’t make it into the team’s 13-12 win in Buffalo, is in line to see his largest workload of the season. If you’ve been following along as I’ve documented his rookie season, you likely already know that he’s ready and eager to showcase his body of work that’s been brewing behind the scenes.
As part of a season-long Inside The Birds “Rookie Diary” series, I’ll be checking in with Mac McWilliams every week, learning more about the first-year cornerback and chronicling his rookie campaign.
On New Year’s Day, we caught up for the latest installment.
Andrew: So, first of all, Happy New Year to you. How’d you spend New Year’s Eve?
Mac: Me and my girl, we went to see fireworks yesterday. When it hit 12, we were downtown. So, it was nice, man; I loved everything about it.
Andrew: Did you have any New Year’s family traditions growing up?
Mac: Nah, not New Year’s, we don’t.
Andrew: Any goals or a specific resolution going into the new year?
Mac: I’d just say the same thing that I always say; making sure I maintain every day. Make sure I just do the right things at the right time. Be there when I’m needed. Be accountable. Just the little things that make me a better person, on and off the field.
Andrew: How eager are you for this week, how do you also balance that excitement with staying present and calm in the moment?
Mac: I’m really excited for this weekend, man. I get a chance to get out there and show my ability with the guys around me. So, I’m really excited for it. I’m taking everything for right now, making sure I stay levelheaded, making sure I get in my playbook and things like that. Making sure I get the ins and outs.
Andrew: Knowing that you have a role this week, has your weekly preparation changed at all?
Mac: No, sir. It hasn’t changed. I’m always gonna prepare like I’m a starter. So, it was the same preparation.
Andrew: Even in terms of your scheduling and meetings and things like that?
Mac: I wouldn’t say that. I come in and meet at 7:30 all the time. So, it’s nothing new.
Andrew: I remember you saying before that you and [CBs coach] Roy Anderson would come in at 6 or 6:30. You still been doing that?
Mac: Yes, sir. We have.
Andrew: And how are those sessions going? Do you feel like you’re seeing a benefit from that?
Mac: Definitely. Just coming in and getting an early ups on the opponents. Just going over what practice looks like, the calls, and things like that. It just gives me and upper advantage.
Andrew: What’s [defensive backs coach] Christian Parker’s message been to you this week?
Mac: Stay level-headed. Just be who you are. He wants me to come out there and just play football, at the end of the day. They drafted me to be here and be available, so that’s what I’m gonna do.
Andrew: Not having played any snaps since Oct. 26 has given you the unique perspective of seeing the game through a different lens. What did you learn from watching the game that you’re hoping to apply on Sunday?
Mac: I’d definitely say, one thing I can take away from it watching back, you could tell that the game is real fast. The game is way faster than college. So, just having that mindset of you gotta think faster now that you’re in the bigger leagues. Having the right mindset and just being motivated. That’s all it’s about; once you got the confidence to do something, you can go out there and do anything. So, I’m very confident in my ability and myself.
Andrew: What’s the biggest lesson or tool you’ve picked up this season having played under Vic Fangio?
Mac: The biggest tool, I’d probably say, is just being more aggressive. Vic, he’s very aggressive. Not aggressive in, like, fighting-wise or nothing like that, but the way he wants his defense to be is real aggressive. So, just me studying, just sitting down and watching how guys practice and things like that, it’s really transferred for me, on the field and off the field.
Andrew: Family coming out this weekend, I assume?
Mac: Yeah, they will be.
Andrew: Everyone? Even Fish?
Mac: I don’t think Fish is gonna come out, but I know my mom’s coming out and my granny … and my sister is coming out, too.
Andrew: What stands out to you about the Commanders’ receiving corps?
Mac: They’re a big group. They’re very solid. They got a great catch radius at the point of attack, and they’re good in space once they catch the ball. Deebo [Samuel], he’s one of the best YAC receivers in the league right now. Terry [McLaurin] is one of the best deep guys. So, just having that mindset [of] just going out there and dominating.
Andrew: You mention Deebo being really good in space, he’s kind of difficult to bring down, and then you have Terry who can stretch the field. What’s something in particular you’ll be reminding yorself when you go out there?
Mac: Just be who I am. It’s football at the end of the day. So, the ins and outs gonna be the same. It’s a critique here and there, formations change, but at the end of the day, we gotta line up and play football.
Andrew: Your mindset has never changed. You’ve never wavered. And you’ll often times say, ‘I gotta be who I am.’ For those who don’t know, who is that person?
Mac: A very motivated guy. I’m real motivated and I just believe in everything about me. Ever since I came out the womb, my momma always told me I was gonna be who I am today. So, just having that confidence from her, and she instilling it in me, just gave me a benefit and made me reap on it.
Andrew: You’ve referenced your mother a few times in or conversations, specifically mentioning how she’s helped instill in you that patience. Is that something you have to remind yourself of or has it become inherent now?
Mac: It’s definitely natural to me. My mom’s a very poised woman. She raised five kids on her own. So, just having that poise and watching her go about her daily life. It’s instilled in me and I’m gonna take it with me for life.
Andrew: Have any vets taken you under their wing this week in an effort to help you prepare?
Mac: We always watch film together, so it really wasn’t like they’re doing this just because the know that I’m playing this week or something like that. Guys like Cooper DeJean and Quinyon [Mitchell], I’d really say they’re the main two guys. And Reed Blankenship. We all come together. I watch film with them guys all the time. It’s very exciting. I get the ins and outs from them guys. They been here a little while, so they understand a little more than I do. So, just getting the knowledge from them and applying it.
Andrew: Do you have a big-play celebration or anything like that planned?
Mac: Nah, not right now I don’t.
Andrew: How about personalized handshakes? Do you have any with teammates?
Mac: Yeah, I got a couple of handshakes. I got a handshake with Drew [Mukuba], Kelee [Ringo], Coop … and I gotta make one with Q.
Andrew: I saw you guys are voting today for the NFL Top-100. Brandon [Johnson] shared he had Quinyon and Cooper atop his list. Are you willing to share your top two?
Mac: I’m the same two. Well, I actually put them right next to each other. So, it’s one and one.
Andrew: What’s on the pregame playlist?
Mac: Kodak: “No Flockin” or “No Skrilla”.
— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com
