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Unleashing Alshon: Jeffery ready to break out

19 October 2017 Eagles News

Alshon Jeffery has been consistently underwhelming this season. In fact, after signing a 1-year/$14 million dollar deal, JefferyJeffery is still yet to break the 100-yard mark through his first 6 games as an Eagle. His best effort came in a 27-20 week two loss to the Kansas City Chiefs where the wide receiver posted 7 receptions and fell just shy of 100 yards, ultimately finishing with 92 and his first touchdown as a member of Philadelphia. 

It often takes time for a free agent WR of Jeffery’s pedigree to build a chemistry with a budding Quarterback like Carson Wentz, and Alshon has been quietly showing the “team first” mentality. Even though Alshon hasn’t reeled in 8 catches a game for 120 yards like some thought, he IS changing the offense. You might not believe it, but his big-play ability is doing exactly what the offense needs – opening the middle of the field and creating opportunities for others. 

Right now, Jeffery is averaging a career-low 13.2 yards per catch, is on pace for only 64 receptions, and less than 850 yards/ 6TDs. Part of that is due to him leading the league in contested targets through week 6 as PFF points out. However, with the next four out of five games at home for Philadelphia, Alshon is poised for a breakout.

The big-bodied wideout’s production is about to skyrocket and it’ll start Monday Night. The Redskins could be without both Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland allowing Jeffery to take advantage of some contested balls he missed in week 1. The next five games also include three defenses in the 49ers, Cowboys, and Bears who all rank in the top 10 of points allowed.

As the season moves along, Jeffery is getting looks from Wentz in bigger spots of the game as the play calling is changing to favor him a bit more. Against the two toughest defenses the Eagles have faced to date in KC and Carolina, Alson is averaging 11.5 targets and 80+ yards respectively. Moving forward, look for Wentz to rely upon on number 17 in the biggest moments of the game just like he did against the Giants and his production to gradually build.

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