Eagles assistant GM, Jon Ferrari, was recently on the New Heights Show with Jason and Travis Kelce to talk about some of the more misunderstood officiating calls — and about how the Michigan game clock got so messed up. But, notably, he ended up talking about how challenging blocking as a tight end, outside the tackle, can be.
“Fans don’t understand how hard it is to block in the NFL, especially when you’re outside the tackle, how hard it is to block. There’s a lot of space. So, you have to be aware
of blindside blocks, meaning blocking backward toward you’re own endline. When you’re flexed, you have to be aware of a crack back block, where you block inside, you can’t block high or low. And then, you have to be aware of blocks in the back, so you’ve got to get him on the side. You have to check a lot boxes to legally block, especially in the run game when you’re blocking outside in, and it’s really hard.”
Ferrari went on to explain the different rules for a blindside block and a crack block, and how many limitations there are for how and where they can hit a defender, and why that nuance takes time to learn.
“That’s why it’s so hard. You’ve gotta think about exactly where you are, what direction you’re traveling, where the opponent is, what is he looking at — there’s so much to think about in those blocks, which obviously we know come on you in a second.”
Immediately, Ferrari’s comments put some of rookie tight end Eli Stowers’ development into perspective. Throughout training camp, the coaches talked about their second-round pick having to learn new aspects of his position, specifically as a blocker, which now seems like a longer process than just one offseason.
“Tight end’s a position that requires a lot of versatility,” Eagles OC Sean Mannion explained in mid-August. “I know Eli’s put a lot of work into improving as a blocker, and along with that entire position group, there’s a huge commitment to being productive in both areas.”
Stowers ended up being placed on injured reserve as he dealt with quadriceps and hamstring injuries leading up to the regular season opener, and will miss at least four weeks. Some have suggested the Eagles made the move to divert attention from the fact that the rookie wasn’t ready to contribute just yet. Even if the tight end does need more time to develop, that shouldn’t be a disqualifying reflection on Stowers or his potential.
