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The Eagles got walloped on national television again but, hey, some important rookies showed enough to be at least slightly encouraged. Here’s how the 2020 NFL Draft picks fared.
Jalen Reagor: B
Reagor had two big plays worth highlighting. The rookie receiver had a phenomenal punt return for a 74-yard touchdown where he showed off his speed and tackle-breaking ability. Reagor’s big play actually brought the Eagles back into the game before the defense quickly gave up another score. Reagor also caught a beautiful deep bomb from Jalen Hurts for his only catch of the day. Reagor looked great getting open down the sideline and finding the ball.
Reagor had a few gaffes. He messed up one play by running into Boston Scott and looked iffy blocking on the perimeter. However, it’s hard not to be excited by the big moments Reagor showed off. Hopefully it is a sign for a strong end to the season.
Poll
Grade Jalen Reagor’s Week 13 performance
This poll is closed
-
23%
A
(216 votes) -
59%
B
(542 votes) -
14%
C
(135 votes) -
0%
D
(5 votes) -
0%
F
(6 votes)
Jalen Hurts: B
Carson Wentz was finally benched for Hurts and the offense showed a modicum of life with the rookie behind center. Hurts had the previously mentioned bomb to Reagor and he also threw a phenomenal touchdown pass on 4th-and-18 to Greg Ward. This season has been plagued by missed opportunities on offense and watching Hurts escape the pocket to find Ward deep in the end zone was a breath of fresh air. The offense is still a massive work in progress with the line being a sieve against Green Bay. Hurts mustered the big plays that he did, but mostly looked pedestrian outside of that, including a tipped interception.
Hurts should be the starter for the rest of the season. That is a no-brainer given the position the Eagles are in. His big plays today are encouraging and hopefully the team can get some more highlights out of him to end the year.
Poll
Grade Jalen Hurts’ Week 13 performance
This poll is closed
-
19%
A
(177 votes) -
54%
B
(485 votes) -
23%
C
(209 votes) -
1%
D
(13 votes) -
0%
F
(6 votes)
Davion Taylor: N/A
Taylor was lightly featured but he was injured on special teams. Here’s hoping it is not a serious injury.
K’Von Wallace: D-
K’Von Wallace saw the field quite a bit on defense and wasn’t exactly a difference maker, at least not for the Eagles. He critically whiffed on a big tackle attempt of Aaron Jones as the running back broke for a game sealing touchdown. Wallace is an aggressive player, which is something that can get young defenders into a lot of trouble. One bad game doesn’t spoil a career and it will be crucial for him to respond with improvement if he continues to get meaningful defensive snaps.
Poll
Grade K’Von Wallace’s Week 13 performance
This poll is closed
-
1%
A
(7 votes) -
1%
B
(8 votes) -
39%
C
(195 votes) -
39%
D
(197 votes) -
18%
F
(91 votes)
Jack Driscoll: F
Driscoll had no easy task with the Packers’ talented crew of pass rushers. Unfortunately he will be on a few defenders highlight reels for this game. The rookie offensive tackle looked overmatched and gave up pressure all game.
Poll
Grade Jack Driscoll’s Week 13 performance
This poll is closed
-
1%
A
(7 votes) -
2%
B
(13 votes) -
14%
C
(67 votes) -
35%
D
(171 votes) -
46%
F
(220 votes)
John Hightower: N/A
Hightower saw some snaps and a couple targets but failed to log a catch. The Eagles’ insistence to have Alshon Jeffery on the field is taking opportunities away from their young pass catchers, including Hightower and Reagor.
Hopefully the speedy rookie gets more opportunities as the season winds down.
Michael Jacquet: C
Due to injuries to Darius Slay and Avonte Maddox, Michael Jacquet was asked to play outside corner and looked fine. No big plays were given up in the passing game and made a few tackles. He was blocked out of the Aaron Jones touchdown, but he was alright in coverage. Jacquet also downed a punt on the one as a gunner.
The Eagles might want to see what they have in the undrafted cornerback. Avonte Maddox has regressed substantially and might be better served as a nickel cornerback. Let the 6’2” rookie get some more snaps playing opposite Slay.
Poll
Grade Michael Jacquet’s Week 13 performance
This poll is closed
-
6%
A
(27 votes) -
48%
B
(217 votes) -
38%
C
(171 votes) -
5%
D
(24 votes) -
2%
F
(9 votes)