Often, when we discuss ‘eras’ that teams weave their way in and out of in their respective histories, we’re talking about coaching eras. Sometimes, we may even be discussing the ones they’ve undertaken with a particular quarterback under center. We don’t often reference a tight end’s era. Maybe we should, and maybe it’s Dallas Goedert that convinces us of that statement’s accuracy.
In each of his first four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, up until time ran out on the Birds’ sixth game of the 2021-2022 NFL regular season, Goedert shared the field with a franchise legend as the understudy of Zach Ertz who was putting the finishing touches of an era of his own.
Dallas Goedert is the next man in line on a list of great Eagles tight ends.
We haven’t taken the time to discuss this that often, but when he finally decides to hang up the cleats and call it a career, Zach Ertz should and will take his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day. Currently, he’s second in Eagles franchise history in receptions (579). He trails only the great Harold Carmichael.
Ertz is fifth in receiving yards (6,267) and seventh in receiving touchdowns (38). He’s also, at the time of his story being published, fourth in franchise history in receptions per game (4.7). Add that to a resume that includes three Pro Bowl appearances (2017-2019) and a season in which he set the NFL record for the most receptions in a season by a tight end (116 snags in 2018).
Zach played nine seasons in an Eagles jersey, appearing in 130 games with 90 starts (those numbers include the playoffs). There’s no guarantee that Dallas Goedert will play as long or catch as many passes, but here’s what we can say.
From the standpoint of discussing the skill sets of both men, Dallas Goedert has the potential to be a better version of Ertz. Zach never evolved into becoming the blocker that Goedert already is. Zach’s never been known as someone who will pick up yards after contact.
Goedert gives you all of that and more, and he’s the next in line to carry a torch that’s been carried by the likes of a tight end/defensive hybrid by the name of Pete Pihos and a running back/wide receiver/tight end blend by the name of Pete Retzlaff.
During his first four seasons in the NFL, Dallas Goedert has tallied 193 regular-season receptions while stacking 2,295 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s added another 15 receptions to go along with 185 receiving yards and another TD in four career playoff games.
Say what you want to say about how Philly has evaluated wide receivers over the years. They’ve gotten the tight end position right, especially recently. Just look at these names: Chad Lewis, L.J. Smith, Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert. Something tells us that Grant Calcaterra will find his way onto that list too.
He’s got a great teammate in Dallas Goedert to learn from. We’re calling for 58-65 receptions, close to 900 yards receiving, and his first Pro Bowl nod during the 2022-2023 NFL season. How’s that for a bold prediction?