The Domino Effect of Losing Dallas Goedert Should Shift Work to WRs
PHILADELPHIA - If Nick Sirianni had everything he wanted at his disposal and things were always running smoothly offensively, the Eagles would typically be in 11 personnel.
With a healthy Dallas Goedert, one of the most talented tight ends in football, the Philadelphia offense was in 11 personnel (1RB, 1TE, 3WR) nearly 70% of the time.
Without the star tight end, that number could increase because the Eagles’ options when it comes to a third receiver – Quez Watkins or Zach Pascal – are more accomplished than a potential second tight end with second-year blocking standout Jack Stoll being kicked up the depth chart.
If Sirianni and offensive coordinator Shane Steichen want to use 12 personnel without Goedert, who will miss at least the next four games after being placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury, the second tight end would need to be untested rookie Grant Calcaterra, who has played just 71 offensive snaps in his first seven games of his professional career, or Tyree Jackson, who hasn’t played in almost a calendar year after tearing his ACL in Week 18 of last season.
More so, Jackson is a former college quarterback making the transition to tight end so the developmental aspect of his understanding of the position is a work in progress.
While simplified, if it’s about getting the best 11 on the field for the majority of the game the list of available options would probably read: 1. Watkins, 2. Pascal, 3. Calcaterra or maybe Kenny Gainwell in 21 personnel, 4. Jackson or practice squad TE Noah Toagiai.
That doesn’t mean Philadelphia will be moving drastically from their typical formational splits without Goedert because you want to present certain looks to the defense to accomplish certain things.
In big spots, however, Philadelphia is going to want the best players they have on the field and that means the bigger uptick will be toward Watkins or Pascal unless the younger tight ends with upside prove that the start-up costs to their careers are going to be minimal.
-John McMullen contributes Eagles coverage for SI.com's Eagles Today and is the NFL Insider for JAKIB Media. You can listen to John, alongside legendary sports-talk host Jody every morning from 8-10 on ‘Birds 365,” streaming live on YouTube. John is also the host of his own show "Football 24/7 and a daily contributor to ESPN South Jersey. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen
