With the news that DeSean Jackson’s core muscle surgery will keep him out until at least the playoffs, the question has to be asked, can the Philadelphia Eagles make a lengthy playoff run without a true deep threat?
During the season opener, Jackson went off, catching two 50+ yard touchdowns and displaying the threatening deep speed that keeps coordinators up at night. Without Jackson, the Eagles are one of the worst in the NFL at pushing the ball downfield.
Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor have both underperformed at times, but Agholor’s inability to be a deep threat is most concerning. Mack Hollins has gone 200 offensive snaps without a catch, while JJ Arcega-Whiteside can’t get on the field. Eagles wide receivers have combined for 719 yards since Week 2, while the receiving corps rank 32nd in receiving yards per target, 31st in yards per reception and 30th in yards after the catch per The Athletic.
Jordan Matthews was recently signed, but he’s more of a possession style wide receiver and it’ll be interesting to see just how much of an effect he’ll have on the deep passing game.
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