The Philadelphia Eagles somehow find themselves at 8-2 despite failing to score 20 points in each of their last two wins over the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. While the defense has played exceptionally, the offense continues to struggle to find any rhythm, and that has certainly been the case for fourth-year tight end Grant Calcaterra.
Calcaterra has only four catches for 40 yards all season, but his blocking struggles continue to be his biggest issue. Shane Haff of Eagles Pin Pull Network noted that Calcaterra played 34 offensive snaps and was used as a blocker on 30 of them in Sunday's win, also pointing out that he is one of the worst blockers in the league. Devin Jackson of the Philly Inquirer hammered home the idea on X that both Calcaterra and Kylen Granson are not reliable blockers and contribute little to the passing game. It makes no sense for Philadelphia to continue relying upon them.
If the Eagles want to repeat as Super Bowl champions, the offense must improve, and that starts with better blocking to open up some lanes for running back Saquon Barkley, who has only averaged 3.8 yards per rush and scored four rushing TDs this season. Considering the lack of blocking from Calcaterra, it begs the question of why someone like Cameron Latu is not used more. Although he is listed as Philadelphia's designated fullback and plays special teams, he was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 as a TE and made a great lead block against Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson on Sunday, as noted by Inquirer.com's Jeff McLane.
Grant Calcaterra Has Done Little to Impress On a Struggling Eagles Offense
Although Calcaterra only had nine total receptions in his first two seasons in the NFL, he amassed a career-high 24 catches for 298 yards and a TD during the 2024 campaign, proving he can make some plays down the field when called on. However, a lot of that was due to Dallas Goedert only appearing in 10 games, forcing him to take on an increased role. Not only are the targets not coming Calcaterra's way this season, but the blocking has essentially been non-existent, putting him on the hot seat on an offense that seems to be stuck at the moment.
To make matters worse for the Eagles, veteran offensive tackle Lane Johnson is expected to miss at least 4-to-6 weeks with a Lisfranc injury he suffered in Sunday's win. That could make Willie Lampkin's impending return from knee and ankle injuries even more important, especially since his athleticism could open the door for some jumbo packages where Calcaterra has had difficulty clearing lanes for the run game.
The Eagles could also make the savvy move and go with Fred Johnson at right tackle after he held his ground against Hutchinson and the Lions front in Week 11. Anything to help improve the blocking and create some more opportunities for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense, especially as they get set to face the Dallas Cowboys for the second time this season after barely escaping them in Week 1.
While the NFC East is Philadelphia's for the taking, barring a late-season collapse, this team is nowhere near where it needs to be offensively to be a legitimate contender. If it truly wants to take that next step, making the right moves on the offensive line and strongly considering giving Latu a chance may be its best move, given the persistent blocking struggles from Calcaterra.