Can Zach Ertz deliver a huge performance for his Eagles versus Dallas?

For most of us, while we realize that Zach Ertz isn’t what he once was, our memories of him, more often than not, are fond ones. Who will ever forget where they were when he dove into the end zone for the final go-ahead score versus the New England Patriots to help deliver the first Lombardi Trophy for this Philadelphia Eagles franchise?

Sure, he’s aged. Sure, we used to believe that he was the NFL’s third-best tight end behind Travis Kelce and George Kittle. No, we don’t believe that anymore, but regardless of what side you were on in the ‘trade Zach Ertz’ debate, you have to admit something.

When it appeared that things had worked out and he’d stay with Philly for the 2021-2022 regular season, didn’t you smile on the inside? Be honest!

Let’s hope Zach Ertz can deliver on Monday Night Football.

Here’s a trivia question that you can toss out there the next time you’re hanging out with some friends. Can you name the tight end who’s racked the most career receptions versus the Dallas Cowboys?

You probably guessed that, based on the fact that he’s the subject here, that Ertz is the guy. You’d be right. Here’s the list. Thank NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Reuben Frank for the tweet.

In 15 career games versus that team from Texas, Ertz has hauled in the 66 receptions you see here. The result has been 641 receiving yards, and he’s found his way into the end zone four times.

The result hasn’t always been what we would like. Philly is 6-9 versus Dallas with Ertz on the field. A seventh win is possible, but in order for it to be achieved, the Eagles’ tight ends will have to be involved. They were basically ignored in Week 2, and what we learned was this. DeVonta Smith, Jalen Reagor, and Quez Watkins aren’t going to make a ton of contested catches.

This isn’t the same Zach Ertz, not anymore. He’s regressed, and so far this season, he’s only hauled in three catches for 40 yards. This team needs more than that, but they won’t get it by throwing him the ball twice per contest.

Ertz has been activated from the COVID-19 list. He’s a go for Monday. Does he still have a few of those Zach Ertz-esque performances in him? Let’s hope so. The Birds may not be able to create any consistent action on offense if both he and Dallas Goedert continue to be ignored.