Quez Watkins, a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, is mentally ready to take on more of an offensive role in Monday’s NFL playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, since A.J. Brown is out.
During a meeting with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts on Saturday, Watkins told reporters that Hurts advised him to “be ready to answer when the phone rings.”
He answered, “S–t, I’ve been ready.”
Watkins has already proven himself to be a valuable asset to the Eagles once.
DeVonta Smith missed the regular-season finale against the New York Giants due to an ankle injury, while Brown was out in the first quarter. At the end, Watkins led the Philadelphia receivers with eight receptions for ninety-three yards and a touchdown.
For the preceding four weeks, the 25-year-old had only one target in total, so there was quite a rise in production.
Watkins’ performance in Week 18 and his remarks on Saturday, though, might not have allayed the worries of Eagles supporters who have seen him struggle in the past.
Most notably, in the third quarter of Super Bowl LVII, the 2020 sixth-round pick was unable to intercept a deep ball from Hurts. If he had made the grab, Philly would have taken possession of the ball within the 10-yard line and had an opportunity to tie the score at two points.
Reuben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia also provided numerous instances of how Watkins’ lack of air aggression helped opposition defences set up interceptions.
He has a fantastic chance on Monday to dispel his doubters.
