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Eagles Rookie Report Card: JJ Arcega-Whiteside’s beautiful catch highlights draft pick contributions

Some encouraging signs

New York Giants v Philadelphia Eagles Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

The Eagles had an exciting and crucial comeback win against, uh, the 2-11 Giants, but a win is a win! They survived a disastrous start and skirted by to stay in the NFC East race. Despite an uptick in rookie usage in recent weeks, Monday’s game gave us a bit less from the first year players.

Andre Dillard: N/A

Andre Dillard got a combined six snaps between special teams and offense. Dillard rode the pine once again with Jason Peters starting at left tackle. Peters was fine, albeit committing his typical false start penalties. Still not sure what is to be gained by Dillard sidelined. Notable that when Lane Johnson went down with injury, the Eagles went with Halapoulivaati Vaitai at right tackle instead of Andre Dillard. That experiment seems to be over.

Miles Sanders: C+

Sanders had an atypically unexciting night. Sanders was dealt the obstacles of a stingy Giants run defense and eventual mid-game cramps. Sanders logged 19 touches and was only okay. He provided some key third down conversions, but Sanders’ real value last night came as a pass blocker. He was consistently dependable in blitz-pickup. Far from a disastrous night for Sanders, but not what we’re accustomed to. Luckily, Boston Scott had a breakout game to keep the running game cooking.

Poll

Grade Miles Sanders

This poll is closed

  • 2%
    A
    (38 votes)
  • 51%
    B
    (794 votes)
  • 40%
    C
    (626 votes)
  • 5%
    D
    (79 votes)
  • 0%
    F
    (11 votes)
1548 votes total Vote Now

JJ Arcega-Whiteside: C

With injuries ravaging the Eagles’ receiver position, JJ Arcega-Whiteside saw 80 snaps on offense. The rookie from Stanford wasn’t making noise until a huge first down pick up where Whiteside had a beautiful catch despite being interfered with.

This is the type of play that Arcega-Whiteside was drafted to make for the Eagles’ offense. Arcega-Whiteside had another chance at a big play earlier in the game, but Greg Ward altered the ball path and Arcega-Whiteside was lightly interfered with again.

It seems the rookie has been good for one big play a week. Unfortunately, JJ Arcega-Whiteside pulled up late with what looked like a hamstring injury. Here’s hoping he can get healthy … otherwise, the wide receiver group looks really rough.

Poll

Grade JJ Arcega-Whiteside

This poll is closed

  • 7%
    A
    (117 votes)
  • 52%
    B
    (862 votes)
  • 33%
    C
    (541 votes)
  • 6%
    D
    (98 votes)
  • 0%
    F
    (12 votes)
1630 votes total Vote Now

TJ Edwards: C

With Kamu Grugier-Hill injured, TJ Edwards served as the Eagles third linebacker. Edwards saw only a small dosage of starting time, but was his typical solid, but unspectacular self.

Poll

Grade TJ Edwards

This poll is closed

  • 3%
    A
    (34 votes)
  • 36%
    B
    (363 votes)
  • 54%
    C
    (544 votes)
  • 4%
    D
    (46 votes)
  • 1%
    F
    (12 votes)
999 votes total Vote Now

Marcus Epps: C

The former Vikings sixth round pick broke into the Eagles’ defensive lineup as the third safety and also made contributions on special teams. Epps’ increase in snaps might be a sign Philly is high on the Wyoming product.

Poll

Grade Marcus Epps

This poll is closed

  • 2%
    A
    (18 votes)
  • 27%
    B
    (236 votes)
  • 57%
    C
    (487 votes)
  • 9%
    D
    (82 votes)
  • 2%
    F
    (20 votes)
843 votes total Vote Now

Anthony Rush: C-

Anthony Rush was once again a part of the Eagles defensive line rotation. However, Rush failed to log a single stat. Rush has been solid for the Eagles since his arrival but this was an average-ish performance for him.

Poll

Grade Anthony Rush

This poll is closed

  • 1%
    A
    (13 votes)
  • 5%
    B
    (37 votes)
  • 49%
    C
    (364 votes)
  • 38%
    D
    (284 votes)
  • 4%
    F
    (35 votes)
733 votes total Vote Now

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