5 observations on the Philadelphia Eagles lineup that lost to Dallas

While the Eagles game turned out to be a glorified pre-season game in January, there were a few things I kept my eye on all night.

Dallas played their start and the Eagles went the other way, giving the second- and third-place finishers (and in some cases the fourth team) to show what they can do.

Here are some observations from the Eagles’ game on Saturday night in the season finale against Dallas.

1. Milton Williams can play.

The Eagles’ draft grade continues to impress with DeVonta Smith breaking a team’s rookie record, Landon Dickerson becoming a force at left-back and Williams showing he belongs.

The team picked the Louisiana Tech product in the third round, with an overall pick of number 73 in the 2021 NFL Draft with little controversy.

If you remember on draft night, there’s a video clip of Howie Roseman fighting with members of the Eagles’ bureau and senior scout, Tom Donahoe, which doesn’t seem to be on the same page.

Roseman later admitted that Donahoe wasn’t thrilled with the selection, saying there was a lot of emotion in the waiting room on draft day.

Yes, Williams can play, showing in the game against Dallas that he can be a driving force going forward. He had three tackles, two losses and one pass that was scripted in the game.

“To be someone who makes a difference every time I’m on the pitch,” Williams said when asked about the position he poses for himself this season. come to me. That’s really it. Just go out there and be a player, do your job and win. “

It was reported that Donahue wanted to take the NC State DT, Alim McNeill, who ended up going to Detroit. The Eagles have found themselves as rivals to Williams, who finished the season with 30 tackles, six losses and two volleys this season on short notice.

2. Eagles Will Get This Season’s Offer For Andre Dillard

Andre Dillard was a first-round pick, and was mostly seen as a bust, which isn’t really fair. Dillard played well when given the chance, but was beaten by a better player Jordan Mailata. Was it frustrating that he was the pick in the first leg, who really didn’t contribute much? Sure. But most teams don’t get Pro Bowl productions from the seventh round.

Dillard has been impressive enough in five appearances this season to attract much interest in a league lacking in attacking talent.

I would imagine the auction starts with a fourth round pick, but if they play their cards right, they could get a third.

Is Dillard cool? Is not. But attacking play in the NFL was terrible, and he started maybe 20 of the 32 teams on the left-hand side.

3. Kenneth Gainwell is a weapon.

We talked about three picks in the Eagles first draft, but Gainwell was another hit in the draft by Roseman, who was drafted in Round 4 of the 2021 draft.

“When we first got here, we came here with a great mindset, to be the best rookie class ever,” Gainwell said when asked about the rookie class. “We just try to work hard to be the best. We came here and did our thing.”

With Miles Sanders, Boston Scott and Jordan Howard out, Gainwell dashed 12 times in 78 yards and a touchdown, he also added four more catches in the game. While he’s demonstrated catch most of the season, with 33 catches this season, he’s demonstrated an ability to run, hit holes and help the Eagles have more in the running game in the future. future.

“This is what I’ve been waiting for – to get a chance to show a lot of things and just be myself and go out there and attack everything I’ve learned in the week and just go out there and attack.” .

4. Quez Watkins could be the number 3

Watkins was picked in the round of six last season and barely featured under Doug Pederson. However, as he has shown this season, he has risen to 2nd on the Eagles depth rankings. While he may not be a No 2 in a Super Bowl contender, he’s shown me enough that he can be a solid 3.

Watkins has great speed, can catch the ball and make a splash after catching the ball.

He finished the regular season with 43 catches for 647 yards, including five catches for 84 yards in the season finale against Dallas.

Eagles can use him in a variety of ways and if they can find a better 2 that will allow them to use him in more creative ways, like jet sweep, bubble screen, curl and more.

Jalen Reagor and JJ Arcega-Whiteside have gone major busts, so expect to see another wide receiver added, but expect to see Watkins still part of the offense in 2022.

5. Jack Anderson looks solid in both guard and center

The Eagles’ depth in attack is astounding. Whether it’s talent scouting or talent development, they’re the best in the league. With Jason Kelce’s future always in doubt, the team will need to figure out what they will focus on at some point in the near future.

They have several options, Landon Dickerson can play center, Isaac Seumalo, Nate Herbig and Brett Toth can each play center.

Anderson is forced to act there and looks solid as a defender and center.

He was picked by Buffalo in the seventh round, but is a talented player fresh out of high school and the Eagles will likely reach his full potential with Jeff Stoutland. He could be another solid contributor like a piece of depth moving forward or a possible candidate to replace Kelce, should he ever decide to retire.

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