The Eagles are undergoing a youth movement, and as the team looks to hit their peak heading into the playoffs, several candidates earned more playing time.
Philadelphia hasn’t played like a Super Bowl contender, and if this is on a course to be one and done in the postseason, it’ll be beneficial.
The Eagles have two regular season contests left before entering the tournament, and we’ve highlighted several players who’ve earned an expanded role as we advance.
TE Grant Calcaterra
In Monday’s win, Calcaterra logged his first reception of the season.
Calcaterra added a 12-yard reception in the third quarter to keep another drive going.
Calcaterra had 5 receptions for 81 yards in his 2022 rookie season, and he’s an athletic pass catcher that has chemistry with Jalen Hurts going back to his time at Oklahoma.
WR Britain Covey
Covey has been outstanding all season and entered the game against the Giants as No. 3 in the NFL in punt return avg., along with the most returns of 15+ yards.
He’s been a critical contributor for the Eagles and an elite contributor as a wide receiver at Utah.
Asked #Eagles WR coach Aaron Moorehead about Britain Covey’s progression as a WR earlier this year, during his Super Bowl media availability:
“The thing with Covey is Covey’s a sponge. Covey’s gonna listen to everything you tell ‘em; every coaching point, every little detail,…
— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) December 27, 2023
During his final season in the Pac 12, Covey led the team in receptions (60), yards (637), and yards per game (49.0) with one touchdown, finishing the season with 1,174 all-purpose yards (172 rush, 637 receive, 221 punt return, 144 kick return). He had five 100-yard all-purpose games and 3-of-3 passing for 71 yards and two touchdowns.
If the Eagles are sending Quez Watkins a message, why not get the shifty Covey involved in the passing game.
LB Shaquille Leonard
In the first half against the Giants, Leonard had four tackles, 2 TFLs, one sack, and a QB hit.
It was the first sack for Leonard in over two years.
The linebacker led the Philadelphia Eagles with seven tackles, including 2 for loss in a 33-25 victory over the New York Giants.
“They wrote me off, talked down on my name,” Leonard said postgame. “I’m here to prove it, prove I can still play, prove I can still make plays.”
Even with Nicholas Morrow and Zach Cunningham returning, Leonard needs to play more, and the Eagles will benefit from it.
CB Kelee Ringo
Ringo got the start at cornerback and finished the night with the biggest play of his career.
THAT'S GAME, @KeleeRingo pic.twitter.com/oKRw7SkV0E
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 26, 2023
Ringo had 5 tackles, 1 pass defended and 51+ valuable snaps for a team thin at cornerback and headed towards the playoffs.
In the last two games, Kelee Ringo has only given up two catches for nine yards on five targets, according to PFF, while Eli Ricks has given up one catch for just one yard on six targets in the same span as well.
Even with Darius Slay returning at some point, Ringo has to stay in the lineup, switching roles with James Bradberry.
LB Ben VanSumeren
VanSumeren logged a career-high 36 snaps in the win over the Giants, finishing with an 81.9 PFF grade, along with six tackles on the night.
Like Shaquille Leonard, VanSumeren has to have a place in the lineup regardless of what happens with Zach Cunningham and Nicholas Morrow.
