It was one of the most anticipated rookie debuts in Philadelphia Eagles franchise history, with wide receiver Makai Lemon taking the field. It quickly became one of the most disastrous debuts in franchise history.
Going into the game, it was already a rocky start to Lemon's NFL career, missing time in both OTAs and training camp with lower leg injuries. Although he did play in one preseason game, his performance in the final one against the Cincinnati Bengals didn't go well. He caught three passes for three yards and dropped a punt return that he recovered on his own.
The hope was that with him playing on the field with the starters against the Washington Commanders in Week 1, things would improve. It did not. It certainly did not.
Eagles rookie Makai Lemon fails first NFL test
Lemon's stat line was abysmal, to say the least. He was targeted four times and caught three for -5 yards. Yep, negative yards to end his first game ever. At least the Eagles won 24-22, though, so that's a positive.
Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 54.9, ranking 54th out of 62 wide receivers in the NFL. His receiving grade was 52.9, ranking 57th among 62 qualified wide receivers.
Philly made it clear how they see themselves using Lemon in the passing game. He ran a lot of screen passes, hoping to use the quick feet and speed fans saw at mini-camp and training camp to pick up yards. The Commanders were all over him, with his longest catch being three yards. That's it.
He did have a nice moment, though, as he sparked one of the biggest plays of the game. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts scrambled out of danger to put up 22 yards on third and 22. A big reason that play happened was that Lemon made one of the key blocks to help Hurts out.
Those are the kinds of efforts that never show up on the stat line, but they do show that he is willing to do the dirty work to help his team. Philly fans would rather see him create some positive yards, though.
Makai Lemon's must show some kind of improvement (with some help)
This is now two games in a row where Lemon has been lackluster at best. The blocking is good, and it shows the rookie is mature enough to want to make plays even when it doesn't result in a catch. That's more than can be said about other wide receivers who have come into Philly (*cough* A.J. Brown *cough*).
More has to be done to help Lemon out, though, as it can't entirely be on him. Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion has the right idea on how to use Lemon, but he's got to be more creative with it. Philly needs to get Lemon vertical and let him do the work with his feet when he is guaranteed positive yards.
There is still hope that Lemon can become the WR2 the Eagles want him to be, but for right now, Dontayvion Wicks is clearly that guy. It doesn't mean Lemon can't be that guy, but a lot has to change before he can.
Read more: Hot seat meter for 6 struggling Eagles starters after Week 1 win over Commanders
Makai Lemon Week 1 Grade: D+
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