The Eagles did something incredible this season, something that isn’t common in the NFL. They aren’t usually the team to give young players a shot, they’ve relied on aging veterans throughout the last three years in hope they could avoid the inevitable “rebuilding” concept. Fortunately for them, things didn’t go as planned this season and they were forced into giving their young guns plenty of playing time!
This group of broken toys helped save the season while giving this team the opportunity to compete for a shot at Super Bowl 54. Now, here's the real question, the one who thing that's on everybody’s mind: Who are these guys? Where did they come from? Fortunately for you, I’m here to introduce to the Squad that saved the Eagles season.
Greg Ward Jr. - #84
College: University of Houston
Position: Wide Receiver
Greg Ward Jr was a 5 foot 10 undrafted free agent who played Quarterback at the University of Houston. Ward wasn’t a scrub either, he started out as a wide receiver for the Cougars but forced his way into becoming the teams starting Quarterback. Now, he’s become the Eagles slot receiver and a breakout star.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSgBermWVpk
His sharp route running and soft hands have put him in a unique position with Carson Wentz and the Eagles coaching staff but it was his will that has lit a fire in the locker room. Apparently, Malcolm Jenkins has been “calling for him to get called up to the active roster since training cam" acknowledging that Ward brought a different style of juice to this Eagles team. Maybe it's due to the fact that the was cut by the team three seasons in a row while players like Mack Hollins wasted roster spots. In six games, Ward has produced 254 receiving yards and a season-saving touchdown against the Redskins.
Boston Scott - #35
College: Lousiana Tech
Position: Runningback
Everybody’s 5 foot 6 undrafted running back! Scott was a former member of the New Orleans practice squad until the Eagles picked up him in the 2018 season. Scott didn’t see any action in that season but in the offseason, he was the one back that everyone was raving about.
In the season finale against the New York Giants, Boston Scott had 54 rushing yards, 84 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. Scott is the first Eagle since 1945 to have three rushing touchdowns in a game after the first half, the last player to do so was Steve Van Buren. With Scott joining Miles Sanders in the backfield, the Eagles may have the formula they need to make a playoff run.
Josh Perkins - #81
College: Washington
Position: Tight End
Josh Perkins isn’t your typical tight end. He’s not big enough to be considered an actual tight end but is too big to be considered a wide receiver. No matter what, Perkins is exactly what the Eagles need. He can line up as a wideout and make the plays needed but can also line up as a tight end without a problem. He started his career in 2016 with the Atlanta Falcons as a tight end. Last Sunday he was on the receiving end of a long 24-yard TD catch from Wentz. That play alone showed just how efficient Perkins can be for this offense. He finished that game with 4 catches for 50 yards. In a season where the team's receivers have been dropping like flies due to injuries, Perkins is the perfect dual-threat for this Eagles receiving core.
Anthony Rush - #66
College: UAB
Position: Defensive Tackle
Anthony Rush came into the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles. After being cut by the team, he joined the Oakland Raiders in training camp but not too long after he was waived by the Raiders. Since rejoining the Eagles, Rush has been a force in the middle. At 6'5, 350 lbs, it's not hard to see why, either. He’s shown great instincts as a pass-rusher and has been doing well with stopping the run. Rush has played 152 defensive snaps and has made the most of his opportunities.
Robert Davis - #14
College: Georgia State
Position: Wide Receiver
Here is a player that's known for his hands, the former Georgia State product was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Although Davis only has 17 yards to his name for the season, he had a huge 39-yard reception that was erased due to a holding call on Vaitai. Davis is a big receiver at 6 foot 3 but has the speed the Eagles need on the outside. At the NFL Combine in 2017, Davis posted a 4.44 40=yard dash grade.
Deontay Burnett- #16
College: USC
Position: Wide Receiver
Burnett signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2018, since then he’s had stints with the Jets and 49ers. During his time with the Jets, Deontay recorded 10 receptions for 143 yards in just five games. Not huge numbers but he was a reliable hand on the offense during his time. After being released by the 49ers from their practice squad, the Eagles signed Burnett to theirs. Deontay caught a huge 41-yard pass during the Giants game after the holding penalty that negated the big catch by Robert Davis.
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Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Craig James - #39
College: Southern Illinois
Position: Cornerback
Craig James was signed to the Eagles practice squad earlier this season and was promoted to the active roster back in week 2. During his rookie year in 2018, James signed with the Minnesota Vikings and played three games before spending time on their practice squad. James has been quiet in recent weeks due to the health of the cornerbacks, but don’t act like you forgot who he is. James was the Eagles unlikely hero against the Packers this season as he tipped the ball into the hands of Nigel Bradham, stopping a possible game-tying touchdown.
Alex Singleton - #49
College: Montana State
Position: Linebacker
From being a former CFL Standout to keep his hopes high on the Eagles practice squad, this former preseason standout has been a valuable member of the Eagles special teams unit. Singleton is currently ranked third in special teams tackles with 8. While I the CFL, Singleton led the Calgary Stampeders the championship and was a two-time all-star. Though he’s had stints in the NFL before in 2015 with the Seahawks, Patriots, and Vikings. Singleton may have found his permanent home in South Philly where the fans love the aggressive nature of the young linebacker.
Bruce Hector - #90
College: South Florida
Position: Defensive Tackle
Hector is no stranger to the Eagles. The former UDFA signed with the team after the 2018 NFL Draft and made it on to the team's active roster. The former USF product is no scrub either, in his collegiate career, Hector started in 24 games posting a career 18 sacks, which left Hector tied for fourth on tbs all-time leaders in sacks for USF. Hector has been on the active roster for about three weeks now and played his most snaps of the season against the Giants with 15.
Sua Opeta - #78
College: Weber State
Position: Guard
Opeta was signed to the Eagles active roster in week 14. After spending time on the team's practice squad, The Eagles rookie was the likely target of another team which forced the team to promote him. Now with the injury to Brandon Brooks, Opeta may not be too far away from his debut. Opeta was a two time All American at Weber State. He also caught the attention of scouts during the combing as he posted the most reps on the bench press of all the offensive lineman while standing out on-field drills.
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
