Chip Kelly made it clear that like the New England Patriots, he was going to utilize his tight ends to create matchup problems for opposing defenses. At times he said he would have two and three tight ends on the field and force the defense to matchup against them by sending in extra linebackers and defensive backs. If they sent in LB’s the Birds would attack them with their passing game, if they sent in extra DB’s Kelly and Company would attack them with their running game.
He is stayed true to his word by using his second pick to draft Stanford tight end Zach Ertz. The youngster is the type of tight end, who can give defenses the fits, by using his quickness and speed against linebackers and overpowering safeties and defensive backs.
Ertz had an impressive start to his NFL career today at the Nova Care Complex. He showed some of his pass catching skills in a one-on-one drill by beating a number of the linebackers. He was able to beat them outside by doing a nice job of coming back to the ball. He got deep down the post a couple of times in the one-on-one drill.
The young Stanford tight end caught a lot of balls during the two receivers versus three defenders drill early in the practice. He might dropped one or two passes, but he caught plenty of them. You can see that he’s adept at finding the opening in zones and he’s also good at being patient while setting up the defender with fakes versus man-to-man coverages.
Ertz made a great diving catch on a Michael Vick pass, as the quarterback had to throw across his body while rolling to his right. It was a tough catch because Vick had to throw the ball low to keep away from the defender, but Ertz went down there and got it.
He does a great job of coming back to the ball and making the catch.
Ertz’ biggest challenge will likely be as a blocker. Starting tight end Brent Celek and new acquisition and H-back James Casey know what it takes to block the big strong and powerful defensive ends and linebackers in the league. It’s going to be a quite a introduction to the NFL for Ertz when he’s asked to block a NFL defensive end.
Early in the practice yesterday, Casey was able to get deep behind the Eagles secondary for a long touchdown catch from Nick Foles. It must have been a blown coverage because there was nobody near him. The former Houston Texan was caught two additional passes in the one-on-one competition versus the linebackers. He’s got a good feel for the game because he runs good route and finds the opening in the zones.
I saw Celek catch a few passes and Casey was able to pull down even more.
I still believe backup tight end Clay Harbor has the ability to be a contributor. He had a good day today, but it’s going to be a challenge for him to earn playing time. If he can be ready any time they give him a shot and contribute on special teams, he could be a valuable backup.
Still it’s very early, but I do like the potential the Birds have at the tight end position.
I believe Ertz will be in motion or even split out to the numbers 95% of the time he’s on the field and will rarely be lined up next to the OT as a traditional TE
At least his first 2 Seasons, he will get bigger and stronger but for this season, he will primarily be used to lined up wide and present match problems for opposing Defedbsescwho try to match a slower LB or a smaller DB against him
Eagles should exploit this as often as possible
I thought Reid would evolve into a 2 or 3 tight-end offense, but never did. That guy was really stuck. He was pass happy, but couldn’t see the value in “today’s” tight end. Anyway, I like I’ve read so far. Only time will tell.
Ertz made a great diving catch on a Michael Vick pass, as the quarterback had to throw across his body while rolling to his right
sounds like awful fundamentals remain…
You read my mind mhenski
hate to say it, but Ertz is going to make Celek look like an O-lineman running routes…. he is quick and knows how to create space…. reminds me of Dallas Clark and do not be shocked if he leads the Eagles in receptions this year.