Why Eagles’ J.J. Arcega-Whiteside is receiving rave reviews from coaching staff

[time2rock]

Why Eagles’ J.J. Arcega-Whiteside is receiving rave reviews from coaching staff

Updated: Dec. 29, 2021, 8:00 a.m. | Published: Dec. 29, 2021, 8:00 a.m.

By Mike Kaye | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Rookie running back Kenny Gainwell collected the opening kickoff and turned upfield. As Gainwell ran through a blockade of bodies at the 20-yard line, the ball was knocked out of his grasp.

In what could have been a disastrous moment for the Eagles in a "must-win” game against the Giants, former second-round pick J.J. Arcega-Whiteside came up big. As the ball sailed through the air, Arcega-Whiteside put his wide receiver skills to use and snatched it with both hands.

The recovery by Arcega-Whiteside saved the opening possession for the Eagles in a 34-10 win, and the play earned the wideout a shoutout from head coach Nick Sirianni after the game. While Arcega-Whiteside has been labeled a draft bust for his output (or lack thereof) on offense over the past three seasons, he’s found a new home on special teams.

Arcega-Whiteside played just 20 total snaps on special teams during his first two seasons in the league. But under first-year special teams coordinator Michael Clay, he’s become a regular in the third phase. Through 15 games, Arcega-Whiteside has played 53.5% of the special teams snaps this season.

"He really puts in the time and effort to study who he’s got on the holdups, who he’s got blocking on kickoff return,” Clay said Tuesday. "What’s the return coming at him right there? How can I get better? How should I take on this block? He just asks the right questions and he cares about making big plays right here. I think he’s done a great job, in terms of being a bigger wide receiver, bringing a little bit more of a physical presence.”

The wideout isn’t just filling reps. He’s making a legitimate impact.

Against the Giants, he made a big stop on a kickoff return in the fourth quarter. He also made an important block on fellow wideout Jalen Reagor’s 39-yard punt return that put the Eagles in the red zone for another scoring drive in the second half.

"J.J. is on the interior and he puts his foot in the ground and he helps out, kind of create an open lane, him and [safety] Jared Mayden,” Clay said Tuesday. "And J.J. kind of took out two people. He took a charge on the gunner and blocked his own guy, and that’s where the lane kind of opened up for Jalen.”

While he’s taken on more work on special teams, Arcega-Whiteside hasn’t been completely wiped out from the offense. He’s received regular praise from coaches for his reliable blocking ability, which nets him around a dozen snaps per game.

He’s also come up big when called upon, picking up important first downs on his two catches for 36 yards.

With one year left on his rookie contract, Arcega-Whiteside isn’t suddenly going to become a standout receiver, but he could forge a long-term career as a notable special teams ace. His five special teams tackles are tied for fourth on the team, and he had a forced fumble against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4.

Highly drafted receivers, such as Darrius Heyward-Bey and Ted Ginn Jr., were viewed as offensive letdowns, but they earned playing time and extended their careers through special teams. Arcega-Whiteside is showing — like Heyward-Bey and Ginn before him — that he can be a worthwhile contributor despite coming up short of his draft expectations.

"J.J. has done a heck of a job in terms of embracing his role,” Clay said, "and he’s really contributed a lot to help our special teams unit.”

https://www.nj.com/eagles/2021/12/why-eagles-jj-arcega-whiteside-is-receiving-rave-reviews-from-coaching-staff.html

[UK_EaglesFan89]

At least he's carving a role out for himself and having an impact. He may not be a very good WR but as a WR 5/6 who can really contribute on STs? That may be how he stays around the team or the NFL. 

[eglz1]

Another Mack Hollins? It kind of sounds like it.

[Fresh_Prince]

He deserves credit for inventing an entire new position, the Blocking WR

[Guest]

1 hour ago, eglz1 said:

Another Mack Hollins? It kind of sounds like it.

Mack Hollins has done more in Miami this year than JJAWful has done in 2 1/2 years.

[eglz1]

2 hours ago, downundermike said:

Mack Hollins has done more in Miami this year than JJAWful has done in 2 1/2 years.

Has he? I haven't followed Hollins once he left the Eagles.

[NCTANK]

4 hours ago, downundermike said:

Mack Hollins has done more in Miami this year than JJAWful has done in 2 1/2 years.

absolutely 

[time2rock]

18 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

At least he's carving a role out for himself and having an impact. He may not be a very good WR but as a WR 5/6 who can really contribute on STs? That may be how he stays around the team or the NFL. 

Usually that is what you to to get out of players taken in the 5th, 6th, and 7th rounds (and UDFAs).  Obviously much more should be expected of a 2nd round pick. 

[UK_EaglesFan89]

4 hours ago, time2rock said:

Usually that is what you to to get out of players taken in the 5th, 6th, and 7th rounds (and UDFAs).  Obviously much more should be expected of a 2nd round pick. 

Oh I don't disagree with you there but at this point we can't expect more from him. He's not a good NFL WR.