Good things come to those who wait.
Over the last three seasons, Dallas Goedert has played behind Pro Bowler Zach Ertz, becoming one of the most underrated tight ends in the league. But, now in his first full season as TE1, Goedert is playing to get the recognition he deserves.
After three weeks in the 2022-2023 season, the 27-year-old is leading all tight ends in the NFL in yards per catch and yards after catch.
A CAREER-BEST SEASON IN THE MAKING
In the time Dallas Goedert stood behind Zach Ertz from 2018-2020, the tight end accumulated 1,465 yards and 12 touchdowns. After the Eagles traded Ertz to the Arizona Cardinals half way through the season, Goedert earned the lead. In that time, he finished with a season-high 830 receiving yards, averaging 14.8 yards per catch.
This offseason, Pro Football Focus rated Dallas Goedert as the sixth-best tight end in the NFL. He finished 2021 with a 90.7 grade. However, despite the achievement, he still remains underrated in the league. But, he’s is hoping to make a change this year.
Now, after three weeks, Goedert leads all tight ends in yards per catch and yards after catch. He thanks his shift in mentality for that.
“People think of a big back as 220-pound players, and I’m running at 250,” Goedert said. “I feel like I can move pretty well. I feel like the defense, especially the defensive backs, are more scared of me that I am of them, so I just try to be physical and punish them. They don’t want to tackle, and they want to go low or whatever, but just trying to run through them and make them not want to talk to me the next time.”
Goedert has a strong connection with quarterback Jalen Hurts. He is also part of the best receiving corps as of Week 4, including wide receivers A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Quez Watkins.
“I can’t decide what plays get called or where Jalen throws the ball,” Goedert said. “But on each and every play, I’m going to try to get a win. If I’m blocking, I’m going to try and dominate the guy I’m blocking. And in the route game, even if the ball isn’t intended to go to me, I’m going to try and beat my defender and get open inc are the first read doesn’t get open and Jalen can always come back to me.”
The season, the tight end has 168 receiving yards, averaging 15.3 yards per game, and one touchdown.
He and the Philadelphia Eagles will welcome back former head coach Doug Pederson and his new team, the Jacksonville Jaguars today. The game is home, at Lincoln Financial Field and kicks off at 1 PM.
