With the 2018 season in the rear-view mirror, we are taking a look back at each player's season, and what to expect from them in the future.
Player:
Jordan Matthews
Season Stats:
14 games, 20 receptions, 300 receiving yards, 2 receiving TD's,
Highlights:
It wasn't a flashy play or anything outstanding, but in his first game at Lincoln Financial Field since 2016, Jordan Matthews received a loud ovation when he caught his first pass from Carson Wentz. It was a nice sight to see.
Matthews' first impact play came in Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans, when Carson Wentz connected with him for a looooong touchdown just before the half.
Matthews made himself a suitable/reliable 3rd down target as the season moved on. In the 3rd Quarter of their Week 6 against the New York Giants, Wentz found Matthews twice on 3rd down to keep the drive moving.
Matthews' biggest regular season game came in London when the Eagles faced the Jacksonville Jaguars. Matthews ended up with four catches in the game, three of them on third down. Here's a look at two of his 3rd down catches plus his first catch in the 4th Quarter.
Matthews' final catch against the Jaguars was a clutch 3rd down catch that kept the clock running and would help the Eagles secure a victory.
Matthews' last regular-season touchdown came on a short slant pass from Wentz against the Washington Redskins.
Matthews' last highlight of the 2018 season was his first (and only) catch of the postseason. Nick Foles connected with Matthews for a 37 yard touchdown to open the scoring against the Saints in New Orleans.
Lowlights:
Matthews tripped up a cornerback covering a different Eagles receiver on a 3rd down play against the Washington Redskins. The play ended up killing the Eagles offensive drive.
Matthews did have one drop on 28 targets, but it was an improvement from his first tenure with the Eagles.
Future With The Eagles:
Matthews is set to become a free agent in March. With Carson Wentz under center, you know he will vouch for the team to bring his friend back. Matthews did perform well enough in his limited role to allow himself the ability to be wanted by the Eagles. If he is willing to accept a cheap contract, then the Eagles will likely bring him in the same type of role he had in 2018. But if he wants to test the market and gets a big offer somewhere else, there's no way the Eagles could afford getting in a bidding war and will have to find a replacement.
