The Philadelphia Eagles went with familiarity over a big splash, bringing in Jordan Matthews for a workout and physical this week.
Deemed healthy by the Eagles, Matthews is now set to rejoin the team. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Wednesday that the Eagles are signing Matthews.
With DeSean Jackson going on injured reserve and the Eagles getting a week of preparation thanks to the bye, Philadelphia needed wide receiver depth. Here are five takeaways from the Eagles bringing Matthews back.
1. Antonio Brown is not getting that call
Despite his production over the years and the ability to take the offense to another level, Brown is not going to be an Eagle and fans have to accept that. Brown was released by the Raiders before playing his first game with the team and subsequently signed by the Patriots. After starring for the team against the Dolphins, he was released on September 20 following more allegations of sexual and personal misconduct.
2. Matthews is reliable
Matthews can catch the ball and last season, while appearing in 14 games (three starts) with the Eagles, he had 20 catches for 300 yards and two TDs. In his 60 games played with Philadelphia since 2014, Matthews caught 245 passes for 2,973 yards and 21 touchdowns, while reeling in a higher percentage of balls than his current teammates.
3. Eagles are comfortable with newfound run-first identity
Jordan Howard is approaching a 1,000-yard season, while Miles Sanders is putting up staggering numbers as a receiver out of the backfield. The game plan is simple, albeit with a wrinkle or two. The Eagles will pound defenses with Jordan Howard, awe them with Sanders’ explosiveness and allow Carson Wentz to be a magician when the team needs him the most.
4. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside is redshirting
When asked about Arcega-Whiteside’s lack of playing time, Eagles coaches said the receiver needs to learn the plays from all three receiver spots before getting an opportunity. The early success of DK Metcalf and other rookie wide receivers has only made the frustration with Arcega-Whiteside that much more palpable. Without the rookie from Stanford ascending, the Eagles are forced to rely on Mack Hollins.
5. Nelson Agholor becomes the deep-man
Agholor is the fastest of the Eagles’ remaining wide receivers and could be among the best in the NFL in yards per reception if he’d simply track the deep ball better. With Matthews signing, Agholor will move to the outside with Jordan in the slot. Agholor is no DeSean Jackson, but he’ll now have plenty of opportunities to take the top off of opposing defenses.
