There’s something about Quez Watkins and DeVonta Smith that brings such a bright smile to the face of Eagles fans.
Watkins shot the life back into an Eagles offense that saw Jalen Hurts somewhat restricted against a Carolina Panthers defense that’s among the NFL’s best.
Just when the Panthers looked to put a lid on the game and seal the deal, Hurts found Quez Watkins on a 53-yard pass to set up a 1-yard touchdown run.
It’s evident Watkins’ production on the field is present — though, not enough. He’s shown flashes of “what could be” if he’s utilized on the field a little longer, and he’s actually getting more snaps than Jalen Reagor.
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The receiver now leads the league in yards per catch, per @JClarkNBCS via twitter.
Quez Watkins leads the NFL in yards per catch
53 yard catch set up TD 🔥🔥
pic.twitter.com/sWZDeTP4gK— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 10, 2021
He finished with 48 yards on three catches against the Panthers and overall this season, Watkins has 13 receptions, 267 receiving yards, averaging 20.5 yards per carry. Also, important to note, Watkins’ 267 receiving yards through five games into the season is second behind leading receiver Smith (314 yards).
Smith seems like he’s getting more comfortable each game, and it’s so amazing to see him and Hurts connect. The Eagles rookie receiver finished Sunday with 77 receiving yards on 7 catches, as he was targeted eight times.
He did have one disappointing drop, and a touchdown called back after a holding call on Greg Ward — but Smith made up for all of it on the two-point conversion to give the Eagles a 21-18 lead in the fourth quarter.
On the season, Smith has racked up 314 yards on 25 catches while averaging 12.6 yards per carry.
Both receivers, especially Smith, need to be involved heavily on Thursday night against the Buccaneers. Smith will likely see matchups against a Bucs secondary that will try their best to corral him. This, ultimately, is where coach Nick Sirianni and Shane Steichen must involve Watkins more as an additional threat to the receiving corps.
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