Dorial Green-Beckham was on the field in Washington for 42 of the Eagles’ 52 offensive snaps on Sunday.
He had one catch for 23 yards.
Green-Beckham, who the Eagles added during training camp via a trade with the Titans, has been brought along slowly since his arrival to Philadelphia. In each week, his playing time has increased.
Now, the Eagles just need his production to catch up.
“[We are] moving him a little bit more around in formations, but still trying to keep it to one position for him,” head coach Doug Pederson said. “Utilizing his strength; I think he's a tremendous slant runner. I think he can run those deeper in-routes, things like that, and utilize his height and strength in the red zone a little bit more. That's him and that's the type of player that he is. Can he be an every-down starter? I think he could eventually probably get there.”
Green-Beckham, who also had a 38-yard reception nullified by a questionable illegal block in the back in Washington, has all the qualities that could make him a special receiver. At 6-5, 237, he has size and strength to go along with his 4.49 speed.
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There’s a reason the Titans took him in the second round last year. But there’s also a reason Tennessee was willing to give him up a year later for reserve tackle Dennis Kelly.
There had been knocks on Green-Beckham’s work ethic and consistency. But through a couple months in Philadelphia, those things don’t seem to be problems. In fact, Green-Beckham claims he’s been putting in extra work and asking plenty of questions in an attempt to catch up.
So when can we expect to see DGB targeted 8 to 10 times per game?
“Hopefully that day comes soon,” Green-Beckham said. “But right now, I feel like each and every day we're getting better and better. We just have to continue to do the right things, starting at practice. And then when it comes to the game, everything comes easy.”
Offensive coordinator Frank Reich said there are no more limitations with Green-Beckham because of the receiver’s late arrival, but Pederson made it seem like the team is still bringing him along slowly.
Pederson on Friday said he would love to have an entire offseason with DGB, but that’s a luxury he doesn’t have right now and won’t have until next spring and summer.
For now, Green-Beckham could offer the Eagles an alternative to a group of receivers that has been a clear disappointment over the last couple of seasons.
DGB played 81 percent of the Eagles’ offensive snaps on Sunday against Washington and he thinks that high number is a trend that will continue.
“I feel like every time I'm running a route, I'm always giving my all, giving my 100 percent,” Green-Beckham said. “Quarterbacks see that, coaches see that, players see that. That's why I feel like my reps have increased — coaches see that. And every time I'm out there, I'm just thinking open grass.”
Through five games, Green-Beckham has 11 catches for 131 yards without a touchdown. Thanks to his strength, he also has 65 yards after the catch, which means he averages 5.9 YAC per reception, second on the team to only Darren Sproles.
DGB has clearly surpassed Josh Huff on the depth chart and has a chance to become a go-to receiver for Carson Wentz. With Wentz just getting started, the combination of the two of them could be a mainstay in Philadelphia if they can get on the same page.
And if Green-Beckham can finally live up to his potential.
“DGB is playing very well,” Reich said. “I think he looks fast; he looks strong. We see it every time he gets the ball in his hands, he's hard to tackle. He's a big man who can run fast. He's gaining more and more confidence.”
