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The Eagles’ Week 1 loss to Washington was a tale of two halves. It was also a tale of their 2020 NFL Draft picks. Between Jalen Reagor, Jack Driscoll and John Hightower, the Eagles saw a lot of play from their first year players. Unfortunately, it didn’t help...
Jalen Reagor: C-
Reagor’s NFL debut was as up and down as it could’ve been for the pass catcher. After nearly fumbling his first punt return attempt away to the other team, Reagor had an outstanding 55-yard deep catch on offense. Reagor’s speed was evident all game, but that only translated into one reception.
Carson Wentz’ first interception of the game, which felt like the momentum shift Washington needed, came on a poor play from Reagor. While Fabian Moreau deserves credit for undercutting the throw, Reagor was in position to fight for the pass and didn’t.
Overall, Reagor could’ve had a bigger impact if the offensive line wasn’t getting killed and it’s clear he is going to be involved in the passing game all season.
Poll
Grade Jalen Reagor’s Week 1 performance
This poll is closed
-
2%
A
(32 votes) -
39%
B
(594 votes) -
44%
C
(663 votes) -
9%
D
(142 votes) -
4%
F
(70 votes)
Jalen Hurts: N/A
Hurts was inactive for the game and it’s hard not to still be frustrated about that pick. With Wentz getting killed all game and the running game stagnant, it is impossible not to wonder if the Eagles could’ve gotten a spark with Hurts being used in special offensive packages.
A second round pick being a healthy scratch is not a good sign, no matter what position he plays.
Davion Taylor: D
Taylor was only contributing on special teams today and failed to make a positive impact. Taylor got a block in the back penalty on a punt return which hurt the Eagles field position which they would’ve probably wasted anyway.
With solid play from the Eagles starting linebackers, it might be tough for Taylor to make it into the defensive line up this season.
Poll
Grade Davion Taylor’s Week 1 performance
This poll is closed
-
0%
A
(7 votes) -
0%
B
(4 votes) -
15%
C
(118 votes) -
43%
D
(335 votes) -
39%
F
(306 votes)
K’Von Wallace: N/A
Despite being a fan favorite, Wallace didn’t see the field against Washington today. It’s tough to see how he finds his way into a defensive role unless a current starter regresses or gets injured (very possible!)
Jack Driscoll: F
I almost feel bad for Jack Driscoll. The rookie offensive lineman was thrust into the right tackle spot after Lane Johnson was downgraded to out a few hours before the game. Driscoll kicked off his career facing off against Montez Sweat, Chase Young, Ryan Kerrigan and Jon Allen…
It went as you’d expect it to go.
Driscoll should get some credit for bravery and effort, but the results were just abysmal. It doesn’t help he got no help from his right guard, Nate Herbig, but Driscoll looked overmatched for more of the game than not.
You obviously can’t write the rookie off after one game. Starting his career out against one of the league’s most talented offensive lines is not ideal. It is unfortunate how profoundly negative his play impacted the team. Get better soon, Lane Johnson!
Poll
Grade Jack Driscoll’s Week 1 performance
This poll is closed
-
1%
A
(16 votes) -
4%
B
(45 votes) -
20%
C
(202 votes) -
34%
D
(347 votes) -
39%
F
(400 votes)
John Hightower: F
John Hightower generated a lot of hype in training camp and that translated into a sizable role in the offense in terms of snaps and targets. Unfortunately, he couldn’t turn those targets into anything positive.
Hightower’s first target was a bad drop for the pass catcher. He clearly heard footsteps with an incoming safety and, though the play ended up being an unnecessary roughness on the defender, it’s hard to forget a bad drop like that.
Hightower copied Jalen Reagor later in the game when a ball thrown his way was intercepted. It looked like Hightower got to the ball late and was outmuscled at the catch point.
Hightower clearly has fans within the coaching staff given his snap count in week one. However he will need to produce more on his target share if he wants to be a mainstay in the line up.
Poll
Grade John Hightower’s Week 1 performance
This poll is closed
-
1%
A
(12 votes) -
0%
B
(7 votes) -
7%
C
(68 votes) -
33%
D
(310 votes) -
57%
F
(531 votes)
Jason Huntley: N/A
There was a lot of excitement when the Eagles snagged Jason Huntley away from the Lions a few weeks ago. Huntley saw one carry for one yard against Washington despite a banged up backfield.
It will be interesting to see if the speedy ball carrier will be more involved this season.
Shaun Bradley: C+
Bradley barely saw the field, but his one tackle was a nice stop against the run. The front seven looked deep against Washington, so Bradley will need to fight for more snaps. However with Vinny Curry’s health in question, Bradley might have a shot to see the field more going forward.
Poll
Grade Shaun Bradley’s Week 1 performance
This poll is closed
-
2%
A
(13 votes) -
19%
B
(107 votes) -
54%
C
(303 votes) -
14%
D
(83 votes) -
9%
F
(54 votes)
Casey Toohill: N/A
Inactive as a healthy scratch.
Bonus Content: Chase Young Looks Scary
Not that it should surprise anyone, but Chase Young looked dominant at times in his debut. The second overall pick took full advantage of the Eagles and their banged up offensive line. Hopefully the Eagles can get a healthy, gelled starting five by the time they play Washington again or it will be another bloodbath.
Young is going to be a problem for a long time.