The Eagles were finally able to utilize Brent Celek in the passing game last Sunday in Washington. With the offensive line stabilizing and the middle of the field open, Michael Vick connected with Celek four times for 42 yards (including one highlight reel tip-drill catch) and a touchdown.
They may need another big game from Celek next Sunday night against Dallas.
The Cowboys have allowed tight ends to catch 36 passes for 420 yards and three touchdowns in 2011. In the past two games, theyve allowed tight ends 21 catches for 196 yards. Matthew Stafford and Tom Brady saw softness in the middle of Dallas defense and exploited it. If Vick can do the same it will be a long night for Rob Ryans boys.
Of course, the tight ends that have recently burnt Dallas are some of the games best: Brandon Pettigrew, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. These men see a ton of targets (first, fourth and eleventh respectively in targets per game), and catch the balls thrown their way (combined catch rate of 70 percent). Celek isnt in the same league.
Celek has been targeted just five times per game and hung on to only 43 percent of passes thrown his way. In fact, since a career year in 2009, his catch rate has precipitously dropped from 68 percent to 53 percent to 43 percent. His duties have also changed in that span of time. Celek has been asked to block more on pass plays, going from 14 percent to 23 percent to 30 percent.
It is difficult to predict whether Celeks primary responsibility next Sunday will be to catch passes or block. On one hand, the numbers above speak for themselves, no matter which tight ends have torched Dallas. On the other, the Cowboys bring a ferocious pass rush with DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer that could potentially overwhelm the Eagles inconsistent offensive line.
Only four teams have more sacks per game than Dallas, and Ware is terrorizing quarterbacks at an amazing but, for him, unsurprising level. For the second consecutive year, Ware has seven sacks through his first five games. The emergence of Spencer early was key to the Cowboys 2-1 start, but he hasnt been as much of a factor in their last two losses to Detroit and New England.
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The Eagles offensive line was great in Week 6 against Washington, with Todd Herremans turning in one of the best games of his career, and the unit will likely welcome Jason Peters back after the bye. If it can build upon its performance against the Redskinswho also generate a top-five level of pressureSunday night could be big not only for Celek but the Eagles long-term positioning in the NFC East.
E-mail Corey Seidman at corey.seidman@comcastsportsnet.com.