The Disrespect of Alshon Jeffery Is Getting Out of Hand
The last time Eagles fans saw Alshon Jeffery in an Eagles uniform, he was being carted off during the second quarter of the team’s Monday Night win against the Giants last December.
Now, he’s set to make his return against the same team this Sunday after an eleven-month recovery period.
In those eleven months, though, murmurs and whispers have gone around surrounding getting rid of Jeffery for multiple reasons.
His 2019 season was not only marred by injuries but also supposed anonymous remarks he had made regarding Carson Wentz and the offense. There is no real validity as to whether or not Jeffery was behind those comments, but it’s collectively assumed that the 30-year old wideout was responsible for them.
To make matters worse, his contract, with close to $27 million still owed, is killing the Eagles’ cap space, especially since he hasn’t played in close to a year.
Even with all of his criticisms considered, however, Jeffery has been far too disrespected by the public.
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Photo: Stephen Maturen
Looking at the most recent sample, Jeffery started ten games in 2019 in which he had the most receiving yards per game and second-highest catch percentage amongst receivers who played at least four games, as well as the third-most receiving touchdowns amongst any player. In his last full game, Jeffery recorded nine catches for 137 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Miami Dolphins. Considering all of his health issues, including a calf strain, ankle sprain, and season-ending lisfranc fracture, his season was not all that bad as people make it out to be.
Between 2017-2019, Jeffery has accounted for 17% of Carson Wentz’s yards, 21% of his touchdowns, and led all wide receivers on the team in yards and touchdowns. Outside of Zach Ertz, who is currently hurt, Alshon Jeffery has statistically been the most reliable target for Carson Wentz in the quarterback’s entire career, and his return cannot be understated.
Statistics aside, Jeffery can also provide a spark to the Eagles offense with his size. Jeffery has a frame of 6’3′ and 218 lbs which has and will come in handy for red zone and jump ball opportunities. Currently, the average size of the Eagles’ starting receivers is close to 5’11” (Fulgham, Reagor, Ward), so Jeffery’s return will surely allow the Eagles to implement new plays designed for him.
Overall, Jeffery is far more useful than people have been giving him credit for.
Despite his injuries, off-the-field behavior, and contract, his worth is incredibly high for the team’s success and a necessity for Carson Wentz.
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Categorized:Eagles