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PHILADELPHIA — Dontayvion Wicks understood what Jalen Hurts expected when the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback sent a deep pass in his direction during the second practice of training camp. Hurts trusted Wicks to make a play in traffic. The new Eagles receiver responded by elevating and securing the football with Jakorian Bennett and Cole Wisniewski nearby.
The completion was among the best offensive plays of the opening week. Hurts supplied the placement and timing, while Wicks displayed the concentration, body control and strong hands needed to complete the contested catch.
Philadelphia acquired Wicks to help reshape its receiving corps behind DeVonta Smith. The former Green Bay Packers receiver brings NFL experience and an ability to produce explosive plays, but he must establish chemistry with Hurts while learning Sean Mannion’s offense.
Plays such as Thursday’s catch can accelerate that process. Quarterbacks must believe receivers will protect them when they provide opportunities against tight coverage. Wicks rewarded Hurts for giving him that chance, potentially strengthening their confidence. Wicks is competing for a significant role in a receiver room that also includes Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore, Makai Lemon and several younger options. His combination of size, experience and big-play ability could distinguish him from the other candidates.
One catch during an early training camp practice will not determine the depth chart. Consistency throughout camp and the preseason will ultimately decide how Philadelphia distributes snaps and targets. Wicks, however, provided an early example of what he could contribute. Hurts trusted him to win at the catch point, and Wicks delivered exactly what his quarterback expected.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Dontayvion Wicks explains his spectacular catch from Jalen Hurts
Continue reading...
The completion was among the best offensive plays of the opening week. Hurts supplied the placement and timing, while Wicks displayed the concentration, body control and strong hands needed to complete the contested catch.
Philadelphia acquired Wicks to help reshape its receiving corps behind DeVonta Smith. The former Green Bay Packers receiver brings NFL experience and an ability to produce explosive plays, but he must establish chemistry with Hurts while learning Sean Mannion’s offense.
Plays such as Thursday’s catch can accelerate that process. Quarterbacks must believe receivers will protect them when they provide opportunities against tight coverage. Wicks rewarded Hurts for giving him that chance, potentially strengthening their confidence. Wicks is competing for a significant role in a receiver room that also includes Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore, Makai Lemon and several younger options. His combination of size, experience and big-play ability could distinguish him from the other candidates.
One catch during an early training camp practice will not determine the depth chart. Consistency throughout camp and the preseason will ultimately decide how Philadelphia distributes snaps and targets. Wicks, however, provided an early example of what he could contribute. Hurts trusted him to win at the catch point, and Wicks delivered exactly what his quarterback expected.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Dontayvion Wicks explains his spectacular catch from Jalen Hurts
Continue reading...
