Man, can you believe the Eagles are this close to another playoff run? It’s been a wild season, and here we are, perched (pun intended) as the No. 2 seed in the NFC. But with the playoffs looming, there’s chatter about benching 24-year-old Jahan Dotson. Yeah, that’s right—one of our wide receivers. Let’s unpack this hot take.
Okay, so here’s the deal. The Week 18 game against the Giants? Totally meaningless in the grand playoff scheme. Philly’s resting its starters, and it’s a smart move. No need to risk injuries when you’ve got a potential Super Bowl run on the line. But the buzz isn’t about the Giants game. Nope. It’s about who shouldn’t be on the field when the playoffs start: Jahan Dotson.
Now, I hear you. Dotson was supposed to be our No. 3 receiver. But, folks, the numbers don’t lie. Just 12 catches for 122 yards this season? Zero catches in the last three weeks? Oof. That’s rougher than Philly’s potholes after a snowstorm. And according to FanSided’s Joe Summers, the guy’s out there “running cardio.” Harsh, but not totally wrong.
Summers makes an interesting point: why not give someone else a shot? Rookie Johnny Wilson—have you seen that kid’s energy? He’s like a firecracker waiting to go off. Or even Parris Campbell from the practice squad. Let’s get a little experimental in Week 18. Tanner McKee’s under center anyway, so what’s the harm in testing some new faces? If they click, Nick Sirianni might just find a secret weapon for the postseason. Crazy? Maybe. But remember when Nick Foles took us to glory? Philly loves an underdog.
And look, I’m not here to throw Dotson under the bus—well, maybe just a little. The Eagles are sitting at 13-3. That’s an elite record, no question. But playoffs are a different beast. You don’t want anyone on the field who’s not pulling their weight. Dotson’s had chances. Plenty of them. Maybe it’s time to roll the dice with someone who’s hungry, someone with something to prove.
I get it. Change is scary. And benching a guy you brought in to be part of your core feels drastic. But it’s like that scene in Ted Lasso (yeah, I’m bringing it up) when Coach Lasso says, “If you’re always trying to do the right thing, you’re never doing the wrong thing.” Sometimes, the “right thing” means shaking things up.
So, here’s what I’m saying: give Johnny Wilson or Parris Campbell a shot in Week 18. Let them show what they’ve got. Worst-case scenario? Dotson keeps his spot. Best case? We find a new spark to supercharge the offense. And Jalen Hurts? He deserves every tool we can give him to succeed. The man’s been playing like a certified MVP all season.
Let’s not waste this opportunity, Philly. The Super Bowl window doesn’t stay open forever, and this team is so close to something special. Bench Dotson in the playoffs? Yeah, I’m on board. Let’s see what happens.
