3 Reasons Grant Calcaterra is a future star in the Eagles offense

Grant Calcaterra can be a dangerous option in an RPO offense

Second and third-level defenders are no match for Grant Calcaterra, especially if he lines up in the box. The Eagles run a lot of screens. They also utilize run-pass options (RPOs) constantly. Both of Jalen Hurts’ TD passes in Week 6 versus the Dallas Cowboys come off of this concept.

Defenders are read both pre-snap and post-snap in these scenarios, and they can be exploited with glance routes to physical targets such as tight ends. Though Micah Parsons is a great pass rusher off the edge, he also works as a second-level defender as we saw in Week 6, and part of that job includes being solid in pass coverage, but if the Eagles try and counteract that, let’s say with the aforementioned two tight end set, how does a defense cover two dual-threats? How many teams have the personnel to neutralize this?

Jalen Hurts is getting less time to throw and is using more quick game concepts to advance the football. As such, the role of slot receivers Quez Watkins and Zach Pascal can be diminished. This change in strategy, in response to defensive pressure, creates more opportunities for Coach Steichen to use more 12 and 13-personnel sets – two and three tight ends, respectively. Then, the Eagles get Calcaterra and Goedert on the field at the same time, a win-win scenario for the offense.

Grant Calcaterra has been extremely promising as a blocker and a receiver in limited action. Going forward, it would be wise to get him involved. That keeps defenses in line when the Eagles’ offense has some stale moments. That might even lead to more second-half scoring.