This Eagle Is Bound For A Big 2021
The 2020 season was a down season for the whole organization, and a lot of players didn’t live up to the hype.
One of the biggest was the rookie receiver, Jalen Reagor.
Reagor came in with high expectations and a lot of excitement surrounding the young receiver. The pressure was put on Reagor before he even touched the field. Reagor was being compared to a younger DeSean, and the fans were excited to see what he could bring to the table for his rookie season.
To sum it up, Reagor didn’t live up to the hype, but in 2021 he should be in for a big season.
Photo: Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire
To start, this season was a rollercoaster ride for rookies. No OTAs, no rookie minicamp, no preseason games, and minimal training camp practice.
Right from the jump rookies was in for a tough test. This is no excuse though, considering the man taken one pick after Reagor managed to break Randy Moss’ rookie receiving record and became a Pro Bowler, but it did play a big role.
Eagles fans are going to hate Reagor for that sole reason like he decided where he was going to get drafted. Fans can be disappointed, but you can’t give up on him yet. Reagor is still very young and still has a lot to show.
Reagor’s rookie stats were 31 catches for 396 yards and one touchdown. Reagor’s stats were very underwhelming, but he showed flashes of what he could be. Missing five games also played a big role in Jalen’s season. There is no question about his speed, that is something you can’t coach. The speed was showcased throughout the season. The Eagles tried many ways to get Reagor the ball either in space or downfield. In the first game of the season, the Eagles got a taste of what Jalen could do. Catching a 55-yard bomb from Carson, something the fans had been waiting a long time to see. The next game Reagor caught four passes for 41 yards and then ended up getting hurt and missing the next month with a thumb injury.
Reagor came back and he still seemed to be going through some growing pains. There were times where it looked like he and Wentz weren’t on the same page or Jalen just didn’t know what was going on. Jalen continued to show flashes, but he was never consistent with his play. Reagor also flashed his return ability against the Packers.
His punt return touchdown put the Eagles right back in the game, and it looked like he was shot out of a cannon when he caught the ball. There were also a handful of other plays that made him stand out, but it wasn’t enough.
With a full offseason ahead and a new coach coming in, Reagor is in for a big improvement to his game in 2021.
Inconsistent QB play, injuries, learning curves, and the pressure of huge expectations played a big part in an underwhelming season from the first-rounder; Eagles fans are calling him a bust already, but he’s just 22.
There were a lot of times where either Wentz or Hurts just flat out missed Reagor either downfield or just in the flats.
The possible new addition of DeVonta Smith or Ja’Marr Chase could also take the pressure and attention away from Reagor, and that is when he will take off. With new coach Nick Sirianni coming in, he has to find ways to get Reagor the ball, and I expect he will.
2021 will be a big year for Reagor and I can’t wait to watch his explosiveness every Sunday.
Featured Image: Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire
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Categorized:Eagles