The Eagles are preparing to host the Washington Redskins this weekend in a matchup that could have severe playoff implications for every team in the NFC East. Unluckily for the birds, it looks like they could be without two wide receivers on Sunday.
Jordan Matthews and Dorial Green-Beckham have both been listed questionable for Sunday’s game, meaning that the Eagles could potentially have just three active receivers on game day in a worst case scenario.
While acknowledging the possibility of having five active receivers this weekend, Pederson also told the media that in situations where the Eagles receiving corps is low on depth, he tends to “lean toward the tight ends”..and with good reason.
In his last five games, Zach Ertz has received for 302 yards and two touchdowns. The franchise tight end is finally emerging as the receiver that Carson Wentz desperately needs, but theres one more tight end that is doing more than just turning heads.
Pederson was without Jordan Matthews last week and his Offense became limited..but losing DGB made that pill even harder to swallow. Trey Burton really added to the depth of the Offense, receiving for a season high 53 yards after being targeted 9 times.
With the Redskins Defense just around the corner and 218 yards on 22 receptions this year, the third string tight end could find himself being called upon frequently.
The Eagles desperately need a playmaker, and Burton has ticked every box whenever the ball has been thrown his way this year. He’s averaging 0.3 more yards per reception than Zach Ertz this season, as well ranking higher than both Ertz and DBG in the longest catch category.
He’s seen some snaps outside, some screen plays and shots deep down the field, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned about the versatile tight end it’s that he has a great rapport with Carson Wentz.
Wentz and Burton were often paired together in Training Camp and OTA’s due to Bradford and Daniel gaining experience with Ertz and Celek. The result has been plenty of passes targeted in Burton’s direction with some impressive success.
The Eagles will need a surge in production from their tight ends this week if the receiving corps is indeed wounded, and the versatility of Trey Burton could become invaluable for Carson Wentz against the Redskins.
