Eli Stowers provided one of the few encouraging developments in the Eagles’ 27-10 loss to Washington.
The rookie tight end caught all three of his targets for 53 yards, finishing second on the team in receiving yards. His production included a 34-yard reception, Philadelphia’s longest completion of the game. That performance should lead to a larger role against the New York Giants and beyond.
Stowers possesses the athletic profile to become more than a traditional in-line tight end. Philadelphia can use him from the slot, align him off the line of scrimmage, or create two-tight-end packages with Dallas Goedert. His presence would give Tanner McKee another target who can work against linebackers and safeties, while potentially helping an offense
that has struggled to create explosive plays.
The Eagles should avoid overreacting to three receptions, but Stowers’ efficiency matters. He capitalized on limited opportunities in an offense that produced only 268 net yards and averaged 3.9 yards per play. His 53 receiving yards accounted for approximately one-quarter of McKee’s passing total.
Expanding Stowers’ workload would also serve Philadelphia’s long-term evaluation. Goedert remains an accomplished veteran, but the Eagles selected Stowers in the second round to become an important part of their future. A 2-6 start should accelerate the process of determining what he can handle.
That does not mean forcing targets or removing Goedert from the offense. It means building a defined package for Stowers and evaluating whether his Week 8 production can translate into consistent results.
Philadelphia needs more players who can create favorable matchups. Stowers showed he might be one of them.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles' TE Eli Stowers is making the case for an expanded role
