Philadelphia Eagles: Sub-radar MVPs who stepped up to fuel Week 5 victory

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Quez Watkins

Here’s a theory to mull over when you’re hanging out with your buddies at the water cooler on break. There may not be a more controversial statement in this one than the following: Quez Watkins shouldn’t come off of the field when the Eagles are on offense, like ever.

As a matter of fact, Quez Watkins should start over Jalen Reagor and get more offensive snaps. To some of you, Watkins doesn’t classify as an under-the-radar guy, and that’s fair. He isn’t quite a national star yet though.

Don’t worry. With the tape this guy is constructing, he won’t be a secret too much longer.

Did you see how quiet it got there? Hang in there for a second. We promise to offend a few more people.

So far, during the 2021 regular season, those explosive plays that we hoped would come from last year’s first-round pick, Jalen Reagor, have come from Quez Watkins. The Eagles’ leadership structure has gotten stubborn in their old age though.

Being right is more important than winning. That’s why guys like Jalen Reagor and Derek Barnett play so much and why Josh Sweat and Watkins are struggling to get the proper number of snaps.

So far this season, Quez has played 199 of the team’s offensive snaps, roughly 61 percent of the team’s total. Reagor has been on the field for 241 snaps. That’s 74 percent of the team’s total. Do with that information what you will, but here’s what can’t be denied.

When it comes time for a  big play, it’s Watkins who’s making them. His 53-yard, second-half reception set Philly up for their first touchdown of the game.