Jalen Mills never lost confidence, but even he can admit he didn’t start this season up to his expectations.

On Monday, just a few days after one of his better performances this season, Mills was asked to evaluate his level of play through six games.

Here’s what he said:

On a grade scale, I’d give myself — besides Thursday — maybe like a C-minus. I wasn’t playing great at all early in the season.

That’s a passing grade, but it isn’t great. And some fans are going to read that and think Mills is grading on a curve because maybe the rest of the corners haven’t played that well either.

The Eagles have given up too many big plays this season and Mills has been more culpable than most. While the Eagles’ defense does leave him out on an island pretty frequently, he has been beaten a lot. On the flip side, and to his credit, Mills has been phenomenal in the red zone.

Even Thursday, he did give up a 39-yard pass to Cody Latimer. It was one of the longest plays of the day. But all-around, Mills had a very good day. He wouldn’t comment on what grade he’d give himself, saying he’d have to talk to Jim Schwartz and see what the coaching staff thought.

What was the difference?

“Man, I just played with a lot of energy,” Mills said. “Guys had my back, I had theirs, man. I think that’s just what it all boils down to.”

That’s also what the season has really been about for Mills. While fans wanted him to get benched and were calling for his job, his coaches and teammates never wavered.

Schwartz pointed out that Mills was a big reason the Eagles won the Super Bowl. Doug Pederson said they weren’t making any changes. HIs teammates said they never worried about him.

The Eagles never have to worry about Mills’ confidence, but it had to feel good for him to have that support through a difficult stretch.

“Knowing that guys have my back,” Mills said. “Guys upstairs, coach Schwartz, Coach Pederson, Howie (Roseman) and then the guys in this locker room.”

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