It’s not a secret that playing in Philadelphia is probably one of the toughest tasks for any athlete. It doesn’t matter where the Eagles drafted you. Fans and media members alike will always have high expectations. Quez Watkins is no exception to the rule, and that pressure is starting to mount.
Quez Watkins is under the Microscope
When it comes to the Wide Receiver spot in recent years, we’ve seen it all. From Jalen Reagor to Nelson Agholor, no one is excused from working hard and showing up. The microscope only zooms in more as you struggle which is usually tough to stop.
One of those players that’s under this microscope is Quez Watkins. Watkins had a great year when he was WR2 behind DeVonta Smith but struggled to make an impact on the stat sheet after being pushed down the ladder due to the acquisition of A.J. Brown. It also doesn’t help that he dropped a pass in the Super Bowl that could’ve led to a different outcome.
The bar has been raised
In his three seasons with the team, Quez Watkins has posted 1,107 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns on 83 receptions. After coming into his own in 2021, he only tallied 354 receiving yards while taking a bit of a backseat in the Eagles’ offense.
Watkins has to make the most of his opportunities with the Eagles. He’s expected to make that catch when targeted and is also expected to fight for more yardage afterward. He seemed very hesitant last season when the ball was in his hands but this year, he can’t make the same mistakes. The team has gotten so much better since he’s been drafted that his play has to at least mirror that growth.
What does the future hold for Quez Watkins?
As the Eagles continue to stack the WR group with UDFA’s on top of the Olamide Zaccheus signing, Quez will be under a unique amount of pressure that he has to turn into fuel. A lot of young players falter when the microscope is on them and the heat rises. Watkins doesn’t seem to be one of those players.
He will have to be the difference in this Eagles’ offense. He’s the only speedster on the roster with experience but he has to learn to be efficient when his name is called upon. It’s going to be a big year for the former Southern Miss product. If the Eagles can unlock his ability in this offense then this team may truly be unstoppable.
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
