The Eagles season has new life, as at 0-0, the frustrating path that got them to the playoffs is now behind them.
The team has a chance to seriously rewrite the 2018 season if they are able to beat the Chicago Bears this Sunday at Solider Field.
Near the top of the list of players who can seriously change how fans view his time in Philadelphia is receiver Golden Tate.
To say that Tate's time with the Eagles has been disappointing would be an understatement. Acquired for a third-round pick at the trade deadline, Tate has just 30 catches for an average of 9.3 yards in eight games. He has found the end zone only once and his longest catch has been for 32 yards.
The Eagles' offense has never really been able to get him involved, as most passes towards Tate have seem forced and have mostly been unproductive.
That could change against the Bears.
Although the Eagles' offensive line is playing at a high level right now, there is no denying that the Bears have a defensive line that is going to cause some issues. With defensive end Khalil Mack and defensive tackle Aikeem Hicks coming after him, Eagles quarterback Nick Foles — and his injured ribs — is not going to have a ton of time in the pocket.
Getting the ball out quickly will be key, and with the potential of not having a long time in the pocket to let plays develop down the field, the Eagles' offense is going to need to move the ball without big plays.
That is where Tate can come in, as he is (at least in theory) the Eagles best receiver after the catch. Getting the ball out to him quickly and letting him try to make a play could be something the Eagles try to do this Sunday more than usual. It wouldn't be surprising to see Tate targeted across the middle on a quick crossing routes either, allowing Foles to get the ball out quickly and into Tate's hands on the run.
It is also worth mentioning that Tate has plenty of experience against the Bears from his time with the Lions. Although his career numbers against the Bears are not only impressive — 11 games, 506 yards on 45 catches and two touchdowns — one number is.
In 11 career games against the Bears, Tate has lost just once.
If Tate can help keep that trend going, and play a big role in helping the Eagles move to 11-1 vs. Chicago in his career, the trade to bring him here could start to look very different, very quickly.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
