Makai Lemon gives Eagles another problem defenses must solve
· Yahoo Sports
One can argue that the Philadelphia Eagles don't need Makai Lemon to become an instant star. They already know where their offense begins, and in many ways, they already know where it is headed.
Jalen Hurts remains one of the NFL's premier dual-threat quarterbacks. Saquon Barkley is among football's most dynamic backs. DeVonta Smith continues to be one of the league's most polished route runners, while their tight end, Dallas Goedert, and new additions like Marquise Brown give defenses additional threats to account for.
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That allows Lemon to step into a much different situation than many rookie receivers. Instead of being asked to rescue an offense, he has an opportunity to expand one. Every defensive coordinator will enter a game vs. the Eagles with priorities. Slow down, Barkley—Limit Smith's opportunities. Don't allow Hollywood Brown to stretch the field. Account for Hurts whenever he leaves the pocket, but much of that, if not all of that, is much easier said than done.
Opposing defenses can only focus on so many Eagles players at once
The aforementioned responsibilities by every defense the Eagles will face naturally pull defenders toward Philadelphia's established stars. If Lemon proves capable of consistently winning from the slot, defenses may find themselves running out of answers.
The value isn't simply in the number of receptions he records. It's in the decisions he forces opponents to make before the ball is ever snapped. The middle of the field could become even more dangerous. Slot receivers often do their best work in areas defenses are reluctant to leave exposed. Quick slants, option routes, crossers and underneath concepts force linebackers and nickel defenders into difficult choices.
Everyone else's production may measure Makai Lemon's impact
So what does a defense facing the Eagles do? Do they commit extra attention inside, and open opportunities elsewhere? Do they stay focused on the outside, and allow Philadelphia's new slot receiver to move the chains?
Lemon's route-running and ability to create separation could give Sean Mannion another reliable option in those situations. For an offense already capable of attacking defenses vertically and dominating on the ground, adding another dependable answer between the numbers could make game-planning even more difficult.
Receptions, yards and touchdowns often judge rookies. Lemon's influence may show up somewhere else. If Barkley faces lighter boxes because defenses hesitate to overcommit against the pass, that's an impact. If Smith finds more one-on-one opportunities or Hollywood Brown sees fewer double teams, Lemon has played a role.
If Goedert finds more room working underneath while Hurts gets the ball out more quickly, the rookie has done exactly what Philadelphia hoped. Not every successful rookie changes an offense by becoming its focal point.
Some change it by making everyone around them more difficult to defend. If Makai Lemon develops into that kind of player, his arrival won't simply strengthen the Eagles' slot receiver position. It could quietly reshape how opposing defenses are forced to attack Philadelphia's offense, creating advantages that extend far beyond one spot on the depth chart.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Makai Lemon gives Eagles another problem defenses must solve