Is the Eagles’ Offense Getting Healthy at the Right Time?
Let’s just face it…it is nearly impossible for any professional sporting franchise in the city of Philadelphia to have a completely healthy roster.
It seems as though the injury bug tends to bite the city more than any other in the nation.
Of course, the 2020 Philadelphia Eagles have been no exception.
Injuries have absolutely derailed the team’s roster for at least the last four seasons. Throughout the 2020 season, the Eagles have over 20 players who are inactive or have landed a spot on the PUP or Injured Reserve list.
Obviously, injuries have played a big part in the Eagles lackluster 2-4-1 record, but the tide might be turning here in Philly soon…
First-round pick Jalen Reagor is expected to return Week 8 in a Sunday Night Showdown between the division rival Dallas Cowboys. Inserting Reagor back into the starting line-up will be huge for the Birds because they will now have a reliable deep threat option in the passing game due to his big playability. Reagor has been sidelined with a thumb injury since Week 2.
So far, Reagor has registered five receptions for 96 yards this season.
It will be interesting to see how the receiving core meshes together with the emergence of Travis Fulgham.
Fulgham has established himself as the bonafide No. 1 option in the Eagles passing game after the team was ravaged by injury. So far, Fulgham has hauled in 23 catches for 357 yards and three scores in four games as a starter.
If Fulgham continues the consistency of play, he will be on pace to break the 1,000-yard and 10 TD mark in 2020.
Fulgham has a much bigger body and catch radius than Reagor, so watching the two works will be intriguing. Fulgham typically lines up out-wide and assumes the Alshon Jeffery type of role, while Reagor can line up at the X or slot position much like DeSean Jackson.
Pederson will have to get creative whenever he utilizes these two, and have the young receivers play to their strengths.
Dallas Goedert is also slated to make his return on Sunday Night vs the Cowboys. Goedert left the game Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals after injuring his ankle.
Before he missed any time, Goedert was leading the Eagles in receiving averaging 10.6 yards a catch on 13 receptions and 138 yards. Goedert also scored in the season opener against the Washington Football Team. With Zach Ertz set to miss the majority of November, the Eagles can certainly use Goedert’s production to help compensate for a Tight End department that has been lacking in Philly this season. It also helps that Wentz and Goedert have developed a healthy rapport through the air the past three seasons.
It’s also worth mentioning that Goedert is a Cowboy Killer…
It is essential for Carson Wentz to establish a dynamic between these younger players on offense since they will be key contributors to the team moving forward.
Reagor will remain to be the team’s speed guy, with Fulgham concentrating on moving the sticks and making contested catches. Ward Jr. will serve as the team’s slot receiver since he is a reliable pass-catcher underneath, and has proved he can make the tough grabs. A mix of John Hightower will also provide another deep threat to Wentz’s arsenal.
The receiving trio of Reagor, Fulgham, and Greg Ward Jr. should be intriguing to any Eagles fan since all three players’ style of play complements each other.
Featured Image: AP Photo
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