Placing Philadelphia Eagles TE Zach Ertz in the slot isn’t a bad idea
With so many versatile skill players in the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense, coaches can get creative with alignments, placing Zach Ertz in the slot with more regularity for instance.
Here’s something that might make the mouth water even if you’ve never coached football at any level. Think about the Philadelphia Eagles and all of their offensive talent, and then, think about all the alignments that you can experiment with based on having Zach Ertz and so many other guys who are versatile.
Are you starting to get excited about how productive this unit can be in 2019?
There isn’t much that ’86’ didn’t do in 2018’s season as he charged his way towards setting a single-season record for receptions by a tight end with 116. Highlight reel catches and consistent play were the norm, and when given the opportunity to line up in the slot, he shined there as well.
He led all NFL tight ends in receptions from the slot position with 56. If you need evidence of that, check this out:
Zach Ertz led all TEs with 56 receptions from the slot last season! pic.twitter.com/estDthav2l
— PFF (@PFF) June 6, 2019
That shouldn’t be a surprise or anything. Every Eagles fan has the image of him taking a slant pass from Nick Foles and diving into the end zone in Super Bowl 52 burned into their minds forever. Ertz is clearly one of the top three tight ends in the league. Some lists rank Travis Kelce and George Kittle slightly higher, but here’s what we know.
With a coaching staff that’s eager to get both he and Dallas Goedert on the field at the same time, the hope is more two-tight end sets will be utilized by Philly in 2019.
Then, when you factor in deep threats like DeSean Jackson, guys who can use their frames like JJ Arcega-Whiteside and Alshon Jeffery, and running backs who can cause problems as receivers out of the backfield like Miles Sanders, Corey Clement and Boston Scott, mouths might begin to water.
Next. Jason Kelce is NFL’s most well-rounded center. dark
Look at it this way. The possibility of moving Ertz all over the field is a nice idea and one ‘The Birds’ are, no doubt, discussing. Line him up off tackle. Place him in the slot. Heck, line him up out wide for goodness sake. Just get him out there, and get the ball to him.