Dallas Goedert’s Eagles tenure has been one of the most underrated in recent memory. That’s largely due to no fault of his own. At first, he was the understudy of Zach Ertz who struggled with soft tissue setbacks. When he finally broke out as TE1, the offense transformed into a star-studded juggernaut. Now, as he enters year 6, he has a very different approach.
Dallas Goedert’s rollercoaster ride in Philadelphia
The tight end position is completely different to how it looked a few years ago. Once Zach Ertz was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, it seemed obvious that Dallas Goedert would break out in explosive fashion. But with little to no help from the tight ends beneath him on the depth chart and a transition to an offense featuring two dominant wideouts, Goedert seemed to float gracefully under the radar instead. Sure, he was still incredibly productive, putting up over 700 yards and scoring 3 touchdowns in 2022, but the prospect of becoming the heart and soul of the offense was one that slowly faded.
Instead of being bitter, Goedert has approached 2023 with the best mindset possible. He recognizes that he’s very much the leader of the pack and if the Eagles are ever going to recreate the 1-2 punch they once had, then Dallas will need to do as much as he can to help the next generation grow.
Leader of the pack
Behind Goedert and newly-signed TE Dan Arnold, the group is essentially crafted using developmental blocks. Jack Stoll was an undrafted free agent a few years ago, while Grant Calcaterra had an inside track due to his previous production when catching passes from Jalen Hurts. Tyree Jackson is still very much an unknown entity despite his summer breakouts and Colorado’s Brady Russell joined the group as a UDFA after this year’s NFL Draft.
“It’s a lot of fun.” Goedert said when asked about the vibe in the new-look TE room. “I tell them every day youve got to take advantage of your opportunities, dont get upset and put good plays on tape. They’re working hard, learning the playbook. I try to give them as many coaching points as I can.”
Eagles & Dallas Goedert are high on Jack Stoll
One player in particular who Goedert has been working closely with is Jack Stoll. The former UDFA has had two years in Philadelphia’s system now and has proven himself as a dependable blocking option. He’s mustered 905 snaps in his career so far, and his blocking is only going to get better when learning from a player accomplished as Dallas Goedert. However, Stoll has been fairly limited as a receiving option, leaving Goedert as the sole release valve at the TE position. That might not be the same for too much longer.
“I spent a lot of time with Jack (Stoll), working on routes.” The Eagles TE explained. “I watch their clips, tell them what i see and thinking when running that play. Always thinking about what i would do if what i was in their position in that play.”
While the future of the TE2 spot remains unclear, it’s beyond reassuring to see Dallas Goedert embracing his role as a mentor and the leader of the pack. Training Camp is bound to be filled with thrills and spills, and we’ve already had our first Tyree Jackson sighting.
Regardless of who is lining up alongside Dallas Goedert this season, they’ll be in good hands.
AP Photo/Matt Slocum
