In career year, Ertz has wins on his mind
PHILADELPHIA >> Whatever Zach Ertz does, it’s bound to be overlooked.
It’s the story of the tight end’s life.
There are people who think Corey Clement, not Ertz, scored the winning touchdown in Super Bowl LII for the Eagles.
We have visual proof that Ertz is the player the opposition absolutely has to stop when the Eagles have the ball. But you’d never know it the way Eagles Nation is fawning over rookie running back Josh Adams, the product of Central Bucks South and “while her loyal sons are marching onward to victory” Notre Dame.
It figures that Ertz’s ongoing historic season would get lost in the shadows ... somewhere between Adams’ big game beating the hated New York Giants, Ertz’s other half and soccer star Julie Ertz, and even those “Eagles run on Dunkin” commercials he stars in.
Here’s a friendly reminder that Ertz is on pace for 122 receptions, which would vaporize the single-season Eagles’ record of 90 set by running back Brian Westbrook in 2007.
With 84 receptions, Ertz needs to average just above three catches over the last five games to join the elite 100 club.
The 6-5, 250-pound Ertz is a matchup nightmare for every defense, proof positive the double-teams opponents are throwing at him with increasing gusto. The added attention opens up running lanes. In run-pass-option situations, the Ertz threat allows quarterback Carson Wentz to shift into a run play when the Eagles and their big blockers line up against a bunch of undersized defensive backs.
But don’t trust me. Take it from someone with an intimate knowledge of the Philly offense, a Super Bowl championship ring and a 99-catch season in 2014.
“He’s a guy that can do literally everything and do it well,” Eagles receiver Golden Tate said. “He blocks really well, runs routes like a receiver. Pretty much you put a nickel (defender) on him and we’re going to take advantage of that person in the run game. You put a safety on him and he’s probably going to run by him. Having him on the field definitely spreads the field and opens it up for other guys.”
Ertz is more interested in wins than records. Been like that even before he starred at Stanford. With a 5-6 record, the Eagles are within back-toback victories over the Washington Redskins of the NFC East lead. That’s his concern.
But Ertz, ever the gentleman, conceded that it’s difficult not to think about the 100-reception mark, Monday night football or even Jason Witten, one of his idols growing up and the record-holder for receptions in a season by a tight end (110 in 2012) who’ll be calling the game for ESPN. Ertz could have blocked the question as a growing number of players do. He didn’t, and that’s partly because he has an unshakable confidence.
“It would be special,” Ertz said. “But at the end of the day I don’t even know how far off I am. I just go week by week. Teams are trying to do a lot of things to stop me and this offense. That’s what I’m focusing on.”
Outside the white lines, Ertz is a cool guy. You can get that confirmed almost anywhere in Ridley by hundreds of youths and their parents, who participated in his football camp over the offseason.
What is striking about Ertz is how mature and responsible he is for a 28-year-old. The man has stepped in to provide football gear for in-need programs both in Delco and the city of Philadelphia, among other charitable ventures.
On Thursday night, Ertz and his wife hosted the Philly launch of the Ertz Family Foundation at Lincoln Financial Field. Cowboys-Saints updates won’t be far away.
“It’s going to be a great event,” Ertz said after practice. “Hopefully we’re able to bring a lot of joy and hope to people across this community. I’m exited about it. Talking in front of that amount of people is going to be a little nerve-wracking. It’s probably something I don’t enjoy as much as playing football. But at the same time, I think we understand that we have a responsibility to give back.”
Serious as Ertz can be, he has a pretty good sense of humor. He’s not only a good teammate, but an approachable one.
“Every once in a while, we joke around that a play is set up for me,” rookie tight end Dallas Goedert said. “And I (reassure) him that every other play in the playbook is for him. We have good fun. Any time you’re with somebody who breaks a record, it’s pretty cool to witness, that’s for sure. And he’s having a tremendous year.”
What would make Ertz’s week would be double-figures catches to go with a victory over the Redskins. The Eagles are winless against the Redskins when Ertz has 10 or more catches, the veteran totaling 38 passes for 349 yards (9.18 average) and zero touchdowns in three starts.
Whatever happens, Ertz will be OK with it because his philosophy is to put all of his focus into the here and now.
“At the end of the day, it’s not 86 versus the Redskins,” Ertz said. “It’s these 11 guys taking the field on offense trying to win football games. At the end of the season, that’s the time to reflect. Just like at the end of my career, hopefully a long time from now, I’ll be able to say I have no regrets because I’ve given it all I can right now.”
To contact Bob Grotz, email bgrotz@21st-centurymedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobGrotz.