Philadelphia Eagles: 3 Vital statistics for 2019 season
116
When you set a new NFL record for catches in a single season by a player at your position, it is certainly worth more than just a casual mention. That was the case in 2018 for Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz. The 28-year old performer led the club in receptions for the third consecutive season. And his 116 grabs were not only the second-most in the NFL this past season, but it was also the highest total by a tight end in the league’s 99-year history.
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Over the last four seasons, the talented pro has hauled in a combined 343 balls for 3,656 yards and 22 touchdowns. Ertz has totaled at least 70 receptions in each of those campaigns and been named to the last two Pro Bowls.
In 2018, he was targeted an amazing 156 times and his catch percentage was an impressive 74.4 percent. So it’s little wonder that the 6-5, 250-pound performer makes for such an inviting target. And quarterback Carson Wentz has certainly taken advantage of those skills the last three seasons.
This offseason, general manager Howie Roseman brought back wide receiver DeSean Jackson back to the organization via a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also used a second-round draft choice on Stanford University J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, who has already opened some eyes. Veterans Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor remain in the fold and tight ends Dallas Goedert and Richard Rodgers give Wentz even more options.
But it would be a bit of a surprise if Ertz didn’t lead the club in receptions for a fourth straight year.