The Eagles have experienced some seriously bad luck when it comes to injuries this year, but every cloud has a silver lining. Tight Ends have long been the foundation that Pederson’s offense built upon and losing both Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert should have spelled disaster. Instead, we’ve seen an explosion from Richard Rodgers.
It’s rodeo number 3 for Richard Rodgers, so some would say it’s third time lucky. Rodgers was disappointing in his first season as an Eagle because he spent the majority of the season sidelined due to an injury. In fact, he played in just 3% of offensive snaps.
In year number 2, we saw a similar outcome, only this time he hit IR before the season even started.
Following a brief stint with Washington, Rodgers returned to Philadelphia and has never looked back.
Since making his debut in week 3, Rodgers has crept up the depth chart as injuries to Ertz and Goedert have presented a huge opportunity for him to thrive. In that time, he’s recorded 184 yards of receiving, catching 15 of 18 passes thrown his way.
Rodgers made a huge impact against the Giants, going off for 85 yards and leading the team. That was his highest output since a game against the Lions in week 12…back in 2015.
Known as a prominently blocking tight end, Rodgers has really stepped up as a soft pair of hands for Wentz in recent weeks and now has 3 receptions in 3 of his last 4 games.
“Richard is a really smart guy and knows where he needs to be and what timing he needs to be there.” Said Eagles QB Carson Wentz after the game. “I thought that was advantageous for us, the way [the Giants] played for Richard to get open”
Wentz wasn’t the only one bearing strong praise for the former Packers Tight End.
“Richard Rodgers, gosh, I’ll tell you what, he played tough, physical.” Doug Pederson said. “He played fast. He made some really good catches. Not only some short, intermediate catches, but the deep throw in the fourth quarter to help us win that football game. I’m really glad Richard is on the team. He’s a good complementary piece when both [TE] Zach [Ertz] and [TE] Dallas [Goedert] are out there. He filled in really well. Expect more of that hopefully moving forward with him in that position.”
With Zach Ertz on IR and battling trade speculation, in many ways a Richard Rodgers breakout is the last thing he needs after such a dismal season. From the Eagles’ perspective, it’s everything they could’ve asked for.
Dallas Goedert’s return is nigh and if Rodgers can continue to prove himself as a regular contributor, negating the loss of Zach Ertz and providing some surprising spark in the passing game, then the offense may have a lifeline after all.
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
