The 2022-2023 campaign was not a pretty sight for third-year wide receiver Quez Watkins. After a solid second season in 2021 with 647 yards, Watkins took a step back in 2022 with 354 yards and an increase in dropped passes.
Obviously, the addition of superstar wide receiver A.J. Brown played a massive role in his drop in production, but Watkins still did not look in rhythm last season.
Quez Watkins admits he “took a step back” from last year to this year and takes full accountability saying “it’s all me” and it’s “mental” pic.twitter.com/jAYJG2xgld
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) February 14, 2023
Watkins had several crucial drops last season, most notably his drop in Super Bowl 57. In his third year, we knew he wasn’t going to be leaned on as heavily in the offense, but he was still going to be a piece they needed production from. When the season was all said and done, and it was clear Watkins was a major disappointment.
Everyone is gonna focus on #JamesBradberry but I knew that settling for a FG to go up 27-21 was gonna come back to haunt. Quez Watkins’ drop on a perfect throw probably cost Eagles a TD on that drive. Eagles need to upgrade their 3rd WR in draft. Quez just doesn’t cut it. pic.twitter.com/ysRt381jS3
— Don Killuminati (@BombFirstMemes) February 13, 2023
Now with the 2023 training camp starting up, reports are saying Watkins looks really good early on. After signing Philadelphia native and former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Oladime Zaccheaus this off-season, Watkins’ spot as the third wide receiver is nowhere near guaranteed. Zaccheaus is coming off his best season in the NFL, where he had 533 receiving yards and added three receiving touchdowns.
Quez Watkins is looking VERY GOOD at camp from what I’m hearing. Heard he added some muscle and routes look very refined, REVENGE SZN ACTIVATED. #FlyEaglesFly #Eagles pic.twitter.com/HZracw7xkk
— Joe Castro (@PhillyPhillyTP) May 22, 2023
In an offense that already features the aforementioned Brown along with DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert, the third wide receiver position isn’t looked at so heavily. We know they aren’t going to have crazy stats, but at the end of the day, even in a limited role, Watkins did not deliver last season.
This off-season is huge for Watkins as he now heads into a battle with Zaccheaus for the third starting receiving position. It seems early, at least, that Watkins has come into this training camp focused and ready to leave last season behind him. The offense doesn’t need him to be a superstar, but just for him to fill his role.
If the Eagles get a motivated and angry Watkins this year, the offense could somehow look even scarier than last season. We know Watkins has the speed; now, if he can put all the tools together as a complete wide receiver, this offense could be even more deadly.
Now heading into a contract year after a down season last year, Watkins looks primed for a bounce-back season this year and a shot at redemption.
Photo: Cooper Neill/Getty Images
