After the Philadelphia Eagles turned down other wide receiver options, they finally increased their position by signing Zach Pascal. Given his relationship with Nick Sirianni, we all foresaw this move.
I thought that in order to learn more about Philadelphia’s new pass catcher, readers of the Bleeding Green Nation would benefit from an inside look at Pascal. And so I got in touch Chris Blystone from Blue panic run. Here’s what representatives of the Indianapolis Colts SB Nation blog had to say.
1 – How would you characterize Pascal’s work in the Colts?
In a word? Incredible. Zach Pascal was an undrafted free agent who fought his way to becoming the Colts’ second receiving yardage receiver in 2020 and 2021. He took over the team in 2019. He is the kind of player who will keep his head down, work hard and give you solid production in whatever you ask of him. You won’t hear players or coaches say bad things about Pascal because he’s a beloved member of the team and the community.
2 – How do Colts fans feel about the fact that the team did not re-sign him? The right move to let him go?
By and large, Colts fans are happy that Pascal is leaving. In fact, it is not necessarily a reflection of Pascal himself. As industrious as he is, his ability to receive separation is clearly limited. Much of his scoring can be attributed to Frank Reich’s ability to chart receiver openings, and facing good defenders in games where they absolutely needed someone to play, Pascal didn’t stand out as the guy who could do it.
In the 2019 season, Pascal had some of the best hands on the team and was a regular clutch crutch. Unfortunately, we have not seen the same player so consistently. In fact, his position as the second wide receiver in yards over the past two seasons says more about the state of the Colts’ wide receiver than it does about Pascal himself.
Colts fans want the team to move on and improve their position with players who can really push the defense, and they just don’t believe Pascal is that guy.
3 – Pascal was literally the worst WR PFF score last year. To what extent do you think this reflects his quality as a player? Do you think Carson Wentz’s struggles influenced him to take a step back in 2021?
After the 2021 season of Carson Wentz, it’s hard not to take everyone lightly. Despite the amount and incredible highlight casts, he was awfully bad and his weapon acquisition suffered accordingly. I certainly don’t need to explain these frustrations to the Eagles fans (welcome to the 1st round pick, by the way). I think Pascal is absolutely better than his 2021 season, as are most of the offensive weapons on the Colts roster. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s much better.
I believe that Pascal is of real value as part of the dressing room, and if the team is well aware of its real value. It should not be seen as a savior, or even as a true WR2. If you want solid depth in position and a reliable player who can play special teams and block well, then you have the right choice.
4 – What are its strengths?
Pascal’s greatest strength is his readiness for physical exertion. He is a very good blocking receiver and not the kind of guy who will slip when asked to be confused with the defenders on the line. Although he is not a prolific athlete, he has firm hands and won’t make staggering mistakes. In addition, he works well in special teams and is popular with the guys in the locker room.
5 – What are his weaknesses?
Unfortunately for Pascal, he’s just not an outstanding athlete. He doesn’t have any of the physical qualities that really set him apart from others, and he lacks the prowess of a route runner to make up for it when given significant responsibility in attack. He had a career high of 44 receptions and 629 yards in 2020 when Philip Rivers delivered the ball on a season with a fading Ty Hilton, rookie Michael Pittman Jr., and there was no real major threat to speak of. .
If you see Zach Pascal as a WR3 or WR4 who can be a reliable and physical player who helps you move the sticks in short yard games and gives you good hands in the middle in the short to medium zone, you probably have him. . right place. Challenge it to hide the top corners from the outside and you’ll be disappointed.
6 – Anything known about him off the field?
The most important thing to know about him is how much Nick Sirianni loves him. Sirianni told his eldest son that he wanted him to grow up and play football like Zach Pascal. He is a real “lunch basket” guy who will do anything you ask of him and who you can count on to work hard. Eagles fans should like him as a man, and he will no doubt have a positive impact on society.
What can he be like as a player? I’m guessing he’ll be a guy worth 400-600 yards, a couple of touchdowns and a valuable part of the game as a blocker. If that’s what the Eagles want, then he fits. If not? Well, at least he’s a nice guy, right?
BLG look: The Pascal signature is fine. Nothing to enthusiastically celebrate. His addition pushes Jalen Rigor and Greg Ward back on the depth chart – at least in theory – which is a good thing. Pascal raises the floor of the Eagles on a wide receiver, but not enough to make the ceiling much larger. He will add value as a cultural specialist, blocker, special teams specialist and receiver who can contribute two or three shots per game. He could be a solid role player for this team. But signing Pascal doesn’t solve the need for better long-term answers for this position. DeVonta Smith is owned as a WR1. Kes Watkins may have WR2 potential, but he might be better off as a WR3. Ideally, Pascal should be a WR4… but he currently performs as a WR3 in this offense. It could have been much worse, it could have been much better. God forbid the Eagles get seriously injured, and suddenly he is WR2.
