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MANY fans are hoping for Zach Ertz to unseat Brent Celek as the starter at TE this year. Considering that the Eagles aren’t quite as reliant on their TE’S to block in the run game as most teams, I suppose it could happen, but could ain’t should.
For my money I think Celek is the more complete TE. Not just because he’s more experienced, but because he’s a more natural blocker. Plus with the ball in his hands Celek will run a bitch over. You have to consider whether, when and how to tackle that guy.
Ertz has more fluidity, and I don’t just think it’s because he’s younger. I think it’s because if he was two tenths faster and 20 pounds lighter he’d be a WR. He moves better, he just doesn’t strike me as a natural TE.
Then again this system doesn’t really call for one does it? So Ertz’s blocking isn’t really a liability, and Celek’s blocking is merely a plus. Basically they’ll just provide Chip Kelly with options. Sounds good right? Now for a shot of cold hard reality and math.
The guy who I think is fucked is James Casey. He’s due 4 million next year; and with Celek almost making 5, and Ertz making 1.5, you know the Eagles aren’t going to want to hold onto all three next year. So I’m guessing Ertz will get every chance to step-up, and since Celek is a fan favorite, I think 2014 is Casey’s farewell tour in Philly.
EAGLEMANIACAL.com 