The Eagles games new WR Jahan Dotson circled shouldn't surprise anyone

"I'm not going to take it personal until I see Washington". Sure, he was joking to some degree when he said it, but those were the words of an excited and wide-eyed Jahan Dotson on Saturday afternoon. His day began, in part, with a stroll across the Lincoln Financial Field playing surface before the Philadelphia Eagles' final preseason game. It concluded with a chat with members of the media.

We heard him say the expected things. The fan base was electric for a preseason game. Birds fans are passionate... So on and so forth... There was something about him growing up less than two hours away from Philly and being a fan of another NFL franchise. He didn't say who. Something tells us he rooted for the New York Giants or Dallas Cowboys.

That's okay. This one time, we'll be forgiving.

Birds fans are split. Some are pumped about him being here. Of that contingent, some love his ability while others are Penn State fans. Regardless of how you feel, he's here to be the Eagles' third wide receiver.

There's a chip on the former Nittany Lion's shoulder. That's common in the locker room these days. Just look at Nakobe Dean. It's going to be fun to watch this team play football.

Jahan Dotson's transition from the Commanders to the Eagles went smoothly enough, but the competitive juices haven't been extinguished.

"I talked to Coach Dan Quinn and Mr. Adam Peters, and you know... They told me they think very highly of me. It was just kind of something that happens, you know? These things happen all the time in the NFL you know...

But, again... It's that last statement that has been pn our minds for a couple of days... "I'm not going to take it personal until I see Washinton"

Let's get something straight. Philly's offensive attack features A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Saquon Barkley, At best, Dotson will be the fourth or fifth option on most of the Eagles' passing plays. He won't be enjoying a 100-catch, 1,000-yard season.

But, there's a reason to be excited here. Philly's wide receiver room is better than it was two weeks ago because of his addition.

The first time Jahan Dotson met Nick Sirianni and much of the Eagles' leadership structure was during a Top-30 visit. He wound up a member of a rival franchise. As he stated "All he (knew) in the NFL was the Washington Commanders", but he is also aware that "(This is) a business".

We're aware this business consists of competitors who play an emotional game. Don't tell us that players don't take it personally when told they aren't needed by the team that employs them.

Think about that for a second because we can promise the thought will be on Dotson's mind occasionally. We can also promise that will be on his mind all week during the days leading up to the Week 11 and Week 16 games. Expect an occasionally petty Nick Sirianni to help devise a game plan that ensures the ball is thrown his way. We expect his best effort all season. You should too.

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