The Philadelphia Eagles suffered another dismal defeat on Monday night. They lost their third straight, this time in overtime to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Obviously, there were poor performers. But some Eagles’ arrows are actually pointing up after falling to 8-5 on the season.
Let’s take a closer look at this week’s stock report.
STOCK UP
TE Dallas Goedert: Goedert went from tied for the NFL lead in receiving touchdowns at the Week 9 bye to an afterthought the last few weeks to back in focus vs. the Chargers. Goedert had eight receptions for 78 yards against Los Angeles, moving the chains on third downs and providing life to a disjointed offense. He should continue to be utilized.
DT Byron Young: When asked last week about Jalen Carter’s impending absence, Young said: “Next man up.” Young was that guy with Carter out, and he thrived. The 25-year-old reserve played 32 defensive snaps and had 1 1/2 sacks and a fumble recovery. It was a big-time performance from Young, and he’ll need to keep it up.
S Marcus Epps: Rookie starter Andrew Mukuba is out long-term, and Sydney Brown was a liability against the Chicago Bears on Black Friday. That put Epps in the spotlight. And the 29-year-old vet who came off injured reserve last week played well. Epps played 72 snaps and had three tackles, including a key short-yardage stop on third down.
Cornerbacks: We’re not talking about the corner spot being an issue like we were earlier in the season. Quinyon Mitchell was his usual lockdown self, and Cooper DeJean played lights out; they were never a worry. But Adoree’ Jackson was, and he has continued to quell those concerns. Jackson had five tackles, an interception and another PBU. He allowed four receptions but only two total yards after the catch.
STOCK DOWN
TE Grant Calcaterra: Calcaterra’s rookie contract is up at the end of this season, and I have a hard time believing the Eagles will bring him back. The backup tight end stepped up last year when Goedert was hurt. But this year, he’s added only five receptions while being a complete liability as a run blocker. Calcaterra’s PFF run-blocking grade (45.0) is the second-worst out of 51 tight ends with at least 175 blocking snaps. And it showed yet again on Monday.
LB Nakobe Dean: This might be an unpopular inclusion considering Dean made one of the biggest plays of the game. His missile-like blitz blew up Justin Herbert and forced the fumble that Young recovered. But his night on the whole was frustrating. Dean was caught frozen in coverage on Kimani Vidal’s 60-yard catch-and-run on Los Angeles’ opening drive. And he missed several tackles. Nakobe giveth, and Nakobe taketh away.
QB Jalen Hurts: Not much to say here. Hurts was on this list last week, and we noted that Hurts had to get out of the rut he’s in if the Eagles want to go anywhere this season. He responded with five turnovers, including four interceptions.