No catch for Goedert still a win
Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert wasn’t upset that the season opener marked the first time he failed to secure a reception in 50 straight regular season games.
From his locker Tuesday, the big guy smiled and explained how happy he was to do his part in the run game and begin the season with a 25-20 win over the New England Patriots.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been shutout like that,” Goedert said. “Obviously it’s not very much fun. Fantasy owners aren’t too happy with me. But Eagles fans, we got the win and that’s what we care about.”
Goedert had fun with the fantasy angle, for he plays fantasy football. Plays himself on his fantasy football team, too.
“People were yelling at me about stuff like that,” Goedert said. “But I don’t really care about that. I didn’t win … probably because of myself. But you know, move on to next week.”
Goedert gets a chance to celebrate his first catch Thursday when the Eagles oppose the Minnesota Vikings (0-1) at Lincoln Financial Field. Brian Flores, a disciple of Bill Belichick, is the new defensive coordinator of the Vikings.
It’s safe to say his players still are learning the many nuances of the defenses that Eagles players quietly say includes a lot of zero coverage blitzes. You have to like Goedert, DeVonta Smith or A.J. Brown against single coverage.
The Patriots mixed up their coverage of Goedert.
“They were trying to chip me off the line,” Goedert said. “I had a couple where they tried to doubleteam me. We had a couple that we wished we could get back. So, we’ve just got to move on and go to next week. This is the ultimate team game.
“For me, I’m going to do whatever is asked of me, whatever I can to help the team win. Catching the ball wasn’t a part of my opportunities last week so I did everything I could in the run game, pass protection and things like that. Other people were getting open, so we were able to score points in other ways.”
Brown’s smile suggested there was no way Goedert would be blanked in Week 2. At the same time, the Eagles are top-heavy with playmakers. Some weeks are going to be rough.
“We have so many talented skill players,” Brown said. “That’s why you’ve got to try to make the most of your opportunities. (Goedert’s) opportunities were limited but he did a really good job of just being selfless and still coming in and being an impact because you’ve got to account for him. Hats off to him. I’m sure he’s going to have a good game on Thursday.”
Last season DeVonta Smith was shutout in the opener but bounced back with eight receptions for 169 yards and a touchdown in a Week 2 win over Washington. Smith finished the 2022 season with 95 catches for 1,197 yards and seven scores.
“DeVonta still had 1,000 yards, just about 100 catches,” Goedert said.
“That’s something I’m not worried about. My goals are a lot more than just personal goals. I want to win, I want this team to win, I want a Super Bowl. That’s what I care about most. So I’m going to do whatever I can. I’m not stressing about anything. I’m blessed to be here. I’m really excited for this game on Thursday and I’m going to do whatever I can to help the team win.
Whether it was run-pass options in which quarterback Jalen Hurts decided to hand off or shots down the field to Brown and Smith, Goedert had just one target against the Patriots, and that was in the second half.
“It’s just going to be how the cookie crumbles sometimes,” Goedert said. “The benefit for me is I’m a big part of the run game as well as the pass game. If the ball isn’t coming my way I can’t control that. So, I just keep the same mentality. Go out the next play and you might get a bunch in a row. Just stay locked in. Win the one-on-one matchups. Do everything I can to help the team win.”
There could be a lot of one-onone matchups with such Vikings as safety Harrison Smith. Goedert intends to be ready. Oh, and one other thing. Goedert is going to start himself again in fantasy football this week.