Zach Ertz ‘confident’ in breakout year with Philadelphia Eagles
By Cory Buck
The Philadelphia Eagles plan to once again sport one of the most exciting offenses in the NFL under head coach Chip Kelly. While the personnel may have changed from last year to now, one player whose role was limited in 2013 plans to break out in 2014.
More from NFL
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Packers training camp news: Jordan Love struggles, Bakhtiari schedule, position switch
- 3 Cowboys who won’t be on the roster after training camp
- Packers: Aaron Rodgers reached out to Jordan Love this offseason
- Damar Hamlin is a ‘full go’ at Bills training camp
Tight end Zach Ertz believes he’s ready to be a difference in the Eagles passing game this season. “You have to have confidence in this league,” Ertz said, per the Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News. “Everybody’s so good. If you don’t have the confidence, that’s half the battle. You’re going to be defeated before you even start.”
As a rookie last season, Ertz tallied 56 catches for 469 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also nabbed a touchdown catch in the team’s sole playoff game at home against the New Orleans Saints. Given his slow start in 2013 though, it’s easy to expect he could break out this year, given that all his touchdowns came in the second half of 2013, after he became acclimated to the offense.
While Ertz is known for his pass catching ability, he believes his blocking has improved as well. “I think I’ve made huge strides in the run-blocking game,” Ertz said. “Especially the last couple of weeks in the preseason. Looking back at the film when we played the Jets [in the fourth preseason game] last year, I looked completely different than where I’m at now.”
[susbcribe]