Everything looks good for the Philadelphia Eagles, who are 2-0 after a thrilling Week 2 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Still, Sean Mannion is the main reason rookie Makai Lemon is struggling.
It was another game where Lemon just simply didn't look good. He was coming off a game where he had three receptions for -5 yards. Things were technically a little bit better in the Titans game, as Lemon only had one reception for 14 yards, but it was a run that went for -5 yards.
Most people would probably put it on Lemon himself, which would be somewhat fair, but in reality, is this someone else's fault? Mannion needs to do something about this Lemon situation quickly.
Sean Mannion must resolve the Makai Lemon dilemma with Eagles
The one completion for 14 yards to Lemon is exactly what Mannion and the Eagles need to do with him. He went vertically downfield to use his speed and route running to get open and make an important completion.
Lemon's rushing attempt, though, is something Eagles fans need to stop seeing from him every week. Mannion keeps trying to force screen passes, quick passes, and jet sweeps with the rookie receiver that simply aren't working.
It makes some Eagles fans wonder why Hollywood Brown isn't the guy doing all of that. Brown's two runs totaled 12 yards, and the usedhis speed better than Lemon.
What Mannion needs to do more of is send Lemon downfield on routes instead of trying to force-feed him the ball because he's their top pick. It's becoming obvious the Eagles want Lemon to get the ball, and that's fine, but they're doing it the wrong way.
In the one preseason game and the first two regular-season games, it's mostly been quick or screen passes behind the line. The Eagles are already setting Lemon up for failure by doing that.
At USC, Lemon was great in the slot on third down when he can use his quick feet to get open on a route and pick up 10 to 15 yards by using his speed. Just because someone has quickly shift his feet in another direction does not mean he's going to be good at screen passes.
Maybe the Eagles aren't sending Lemon downfield more often for other reasons. Could it be that Lemon is not 100% ready with the playbook, and they want to make it easier on him? At this point, who knows.
The simple solution, though, is that Brown might need to get on the field more often. The Titans game made it clear that he still has the speed and should be the one running screen passes and jet sweeps.
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Lemon will be a good wide receiver in the NFL, and it is way too early to call him a bust when everyone can see his potential. Mannion needs to be smarter about how he uses him and give him more successful plays to build his confidence, instead of misusing him in the offense.
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