The Philadelphia Eagles took a 24-0 halftime lead over the New York Jets in Sunday’s Week 3 action and held on for a 24-17 win, improving their record to 1-2 on the season.
While Chip Kelly’s team got a much-needed win to stay in the NFC East hunt, there are still some concerns with this team. Quarterback Sam Bradford missed a slew of throws, passing for just 118 yards (although he did suffer from a handful of easy drops). And outside of last year’s second-round pick, Jordan Matthews, the wide receiving corps has been bare.
Perhaps the most surprising disappointment has been Nelson Agholor, the standout USC receiver chosen with the 20th overall pick in this year’s NFL draft. Seen by many as a Jeremy Maclin clone due to a similar build (6’0″, 198 pounds) and speed (4.45 40-yard dash), Agholor was expected to be an immediate producer in this offense.
Agholor flashed in the preseason, notably on a catch-and-run touchdown that showcased his supreme athleticism. Such hasn’t been the case through three regular-season contests though, as Agholor has been strictly a non-factor on the field.
It’s not due to lack of snaps; Kelly has started Agholor in every game, and Agholor’s 175 offensive snaps played (per Pro Football Focus) are more than fellow Eagles receivers Riley Cooper (109), Miles Austin (70), and Josh Huff (69). In fact, Agholor has even outsnapped Matthews, 175 to 174.
The problem, quite simply, has been production. Agholor ranks 27th among NFL wide receivers in snaps played (175), but tied for just 88th at his position in catches (4) and 94th in yards (36). He hasn’t found the end zone. He’s dropped a pass. He hasn’t forced a missed tackle. And he’s committed a penalty.
Growing pains are to be expected for any rookie, even a first-rounder. But Agholor was said to be very NFL-ready, perhaps more than any other rookie receiver but Amari Cooper. And the opportunities are there for the taking, as neither Cooper not Huff is a viable option in the passing game.
This past game against the Jets was particularly frustrating. While Matthews produced to the tune of a 6-49 statline, he was the only Eagles receiver to catch a pass. Bradford threw at Agholor three times; all were incomplete, and Agholor dropped one of them.
For the season, the Bradford-to-Agholor duo – one that was supposed to catapulting the Eagles to a division title – has been out of sync. Bradford’s 36.4 completion percentage on passes Agholor’s way pales in comparison to the 78.4 mark between Bradford and Matthews.
Some of that can obviously be contributed to sheer inexperience. Agholor is three games into his NFL career, one that still should be a long and productive career. The problem is that the Eagles’ overall lack of talent at the position – outside of Matthews – puts some pressure on Agholor to make plays.
Fortunately for Agholor, the Eagles’ upcoming schedule is friendly. Next week is a matchup against the 1-2 Washington Redskins, a team that ranks 19th in passer rating allowed and hasn’t recorded an interception this season. After that is the New Orleans Saints, an 0-3 squad that rates second-last in passer rating and also hasn’t recorded an interception.
The opportunities will be there for Agholor. It’s just a matter of whether he can seize them.
