The Eagles did something incredible this season, something that isn’t common in the NFL. They aren’t usually the team to give young players a shot, they’ve relied on aging veterans throughout the last three years in hope they could avoid the inevitable “rebuilding” concept. Fortunately for them, things didn’t go as planned this season and they were forced into giving their young guns plenty of playing time!
This group of broken toys helped save the season while giving this team the opportunity to compete for a shot at Super Bowl 54. Now, here’s the real question, the one who thing that’s on everybody’s mind: Who are these guys? Where did they come from? Fortunately for you, I’m here to introduce to the Squad that saved the Eagles season.
Greg Ward Jr. – #84
College: University of Houston
Position: Wide Receiver
Greg Ward Jr was a 5 foot 10 undrafted free agent who played Quarterback at the University of Houston. Ward wasn’t a scrub either, he started out as a wide receiver for the Cougars but forced his way into becoming the teams starting Quarterback. Now, he’s become the Eagles slot receiver and a breakout star.
His sharp route running and soft hands have put him in a unique position with Carson Wentz and the Eagles coaching staff but it was his will that has lit a fire in the locker room. Apparently, Malcolm Jenkins has been “calling for him to get called up to the active roster since training cam” acknowledging that Ward brought a different style of juice to this Eagles team. Maybe it’s due to the fact that the was cut by the team three seasons in a row while players like Mack Hollins wasted roster spots. In six games, Ward has produced 254 receiving yards and a season-saving touchdown against the Redskins.
Boston Scott – #35
College: Lousiana Tech
Position: Runningback
Everybody’s 5 foot 6 undrafted running back! Scott was a former member of the New Orleans practice squad until the Eagles picked up him in the 2018 season. Scott didn’t see any action in that season but in the offseason, he was the one back that everyone was raving about.
In the season finale against the New York Giants, Boston Scott had 54 rushing yards, 84 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. Scott is the first Eagle since 1945 to have three rushing touchdowns in a game after the first half, the last player to do so was Steve Van Buren. With Scott joining Miles Sanders in the backfield, the Eagles may have the formula they need to make a playoff run.
Josh Perkins – #81
College: Washington
Position: Tight End
Josh Perkins isn’t your typical tight end. He’s not big enough to be considered an actual tight end but is too big to be considered a wide receiver. No matter what, Perkins is exactly what the Eagles need. He can line up as a wideout and make the plays needed but can also line up as a tight end without a problem. He started his career in 2016 with the Atlanta Falcons as a tight end. Last Sunday he was on the receiving end of a long 24-yard TD catch from Wentz. That play alone showed just how efficient Perkins can be for this offense. He finished that game with 4 catches for 50 yards. In a season where the team’s receivers have been dropping like flies due to injuries, Perkins is the perfect dual-threat for this Eagles receiving core.
Anthony Rush – #66
College: UAB
Position: Defensive Tackle
Anthony Rush came into the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles. After being cut by the team, he joined the Oakland Raiders in training camp but not too long after he was waived by the Raiders. Since rejoining the Eagles, Rush has been a force in the middle. At 6’5, 350 lbs, it’s not hard to see why, either. He’s shown great instincts as a pass-rusher and has been doing well with stopping the run. Rush has played 152 defensive snaps and has made the most of his opportunities.
Robert Davis – #14
College: Georgia State
Position: Wide Receiver
Here is a player that’s known for his hands, the former Georgia State product was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Although Davis only has 17 yards to his name for the season, he had a huge 39-yard reception that was erased due to a holding call on Vaitai. Davis is a big receiver at 6 foot 3 but has the speed the Eagles need on the outside. At the NFL Combine in 2017, Davis posted a 4.44 40=yard dash grade.
Deontay Burnett- #16
College: USC
Position: Wide Receiver
Burnett signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2018, since then he’s had stints with the Jets and 49ers. During his time with the Jets, Deontay recorded 10 receptions for 143 yards in just five games. Not huge numbers but he was a reliable hand on the offense during his time. After being released by the 49ers from their practice squad, the Eagles signed Burnett to theirs. Deontay caught a huge 41-yard pass during the Giants game after the holding penalty that negated the big catch by Robert Davis.
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Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
