For the first time in his four years with the Philadelphia Eagles, tight end Dallas Goedert is going to alone at the top of the depth chart. He’s had to share the spotlight with Zach Ertz since he’s entered the league, but with Ertz now in Arizona, Goedert should become a focal point for Nick Sirianni’s offense.
Goedert has never played over 70% of the Eagles offensive snaps in a season. His highest mark came in 2019, when he played 66% of the team’s snaps. This year, he’s played 59%. More interestingly, Goedert has only run routes on 59% of dropbacks during his timeshare with Ertz this year. That’s just not enough opportunities for one of the best pass catchers on the team.
It’s a shame that it’s taken this long for Goedert to be the TE1 here in Philly, although it’s understandable with Ertz in the fold. Goedert’s lack of opportunities has robbed him of becoming an elite tight end in this league.
Pro Football Focus has had glowing reviews for Goedert over the past few seasons. He was ranked as a top-10 tight end every season he’s been an Eagle, and he’s only one of two tight ends to have a receiving and blocking grade of at least 75 since 2018, the other being George Kittle.
When targeting Goedert this season, Jalen Hurts has a 149.1 passer rating and the tight end has caught 78.9% of his targets, the best mark of his career.
We’ve all talked about the importance of implementing a balanced offensive attack to help this team get back on track, which is undoubtedly important, but getting one of the best overall tight ends in the NFL more involved in the passing game may be even more imperative.
A tight end is a young quarterback’s best friend. The stats when Hurt targets Goedert speaks to that.
Aside from DeVonta Smith, and at times Quez Watkins, the Eagles don’t have any reliable pass catchers on their offense. With the exception of Goedert, who’s by far the most experienced receiving threat on the team and may have the highest ceiling if he’s utilized at a high rate.
There’s no reason to limit Goedert’s targets any longer. If Sirianni wants to help his passing attack be more efficient, getting the ball to Goedert should be priority number one.
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