The wait may be over for Jahan Dotson's breakout NFL season
It has often been said that football is a game of inches, and it is. That has been proven time and time again at every level. Think about something for a second. If so many controversial discussions can be born by discussing inches, think how the field expands if we begin mentioning yards. Had Jahan Dotson's knee hit the turf one yard further than it had during his first catch in Super Bowl 59, he would have scored the Philadelphia Eagles' first touchdown in football's biggest game.
Being stopped one yard short of the goal also prevented the Tennessee Titans from lining up to kick a potential game-tying field goal in Super Bowl 34. Instead, what was then Dick Vermeil's Saint Louis Rams raised the Vince Lombardi Trophy as Philadelphia fans celebrated for their former head coach but wondered when it might be their turn.
Jahan Dotson looks to transform a career marred by 'what ifs' and unfulfilled potential into one of breakouts and highlight-reel moments
It's year two for Jahan Dotson with the Eagles, and again, it feels like we're talking about thin lines and margins for error. His career, at this point, is seen as a collection of 'what ifs', unfulfilled promises, and near-misses.
He has a new look for the Birds. He'll be wearing the Number 2 jersey, one previously worn by Darius Slay. Philadelphia abandoned its seemingly ever-present desire for an air-raid offense last season and adopted a run-first approach. No one would deny that decision worked out very well for them.
Saquon Barkley became the ninth player in NFL history to join the 2,000-Yard Club. He also won Offensive Player of the Year honors. There's another side to that coin, though. Philadelphia worked him to the bone as he led the league in both carries (345) and touches (378) while leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl win.
Exceeding 300 regular-season carries in one season is a big ask, especially when one factors in Philadelphia's starters sitting out in Week 18. That's why many have adopted the theory that, even though it seems ridiculous to hand Saquon the ball less often, that may be wise if the goal is to keep him fresh for what everyone hopes is another postseason run.
Which brings us back to Jahan Dotson...
An offense that doesn't air it out very often can't be surprised when the fourth option/third receiver doesn't receive many targets. However, as many are thinking, in a more balanced attack, things could change for Dotson during his second season in Eagles green.
Much of the media, many fans, and several voices on Philadelphia sports radio are in favor of an expanded role. The Inquirer's Jeff McLane even made mention this offseason of him catching "every pass" he logged during three open workouts.
Nick Sirianni has always been frank in stating the offensive attack runs through Jalen Hurts, A.J., DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and Dallas Goedert (as it should), but their WR3, Dotson, could enjoy more looks if Jalen is asked to air the ball out more.
Jahan has enjoyed some chemistry with Hurts since his arrival, and thanks to his familiarity with the offense, discussions around camp center around him being more relaxed and off to a better start than he was when he arrived in the City of Brotherly Love last offseason.
Don't expect 60 catches or more. Don't bank on a long-term, high-dollar extension being offered at season's end. After all, Philadelphia declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract.
This could be a massive year for Dotson by simply making the most of his opportunities when they come his way. That request seems feasible because, though this isn't discussed very often, no one would be wrong by stating that Philadelphia could do a lot worse than employing Jahan Dotson as the third wide receiver on their roster. He's going to do fine for this team this season.
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