Continuing on with our "quarter pole" grades, we'll cover the tight ends, which is something opposing defenses haven't have much trouble doing this season. In case you missed the first installment of this series, we graded out Sam Bradford and the running backs earlier today:
• Running back grades
Onto the tight ends:
Zach Ertz
Many were expecting Ertz to break out this season, especially early in camp when he dominated in practices. But then a sports hernia derailed his preseason, although he was able to return in time for the Week 1 game in Atlanta. Ertz's numbers are unimpressive.
| Zach Ertz | Rec | Yards | YPC | TD |
| Falcons | 3 | 46 | 15.3 | 0 |
| Cowboys | 3 | 17 | 5.7 | 0 |
| Jets | 2 | 30 | 15.0 | 0 |
| Redskins | 2 | 11 | 5.5 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 10 | 104 | 10.4 | 0 |
Ertz's 104 receiving yards put him at 26th among tight ends. Only three of his 10 receptions have moved the chains. Worse, Ertz's 10 receptions have come on 19 targets (a bad percentage), one of which glanced off Ertz's hands and into the arms of a Dallas defender, which essentially sealed the game Week 2. It's difficult to say how much Ertz's injury has affected him so far, but clearly he is a player the Eagles need to step up and make some plays.
Brent Celek
Celek has not blocked well in the run game, and he has two receptions this season. We've posted this here numerous times, so apologies for the redundancy, but Celek's numbers have declined in each of the last four years.
| Brent Celek | Catches | Yards | First downs |
| 2011 | 62 | 811 | 35 |
| 2012 | 57 | 684 | 32 |
| 2013 | 32 | 502 | 22 |
| 2014 | 32 | 340 | 16 |
Celek counts for $5 million against the cap next season. That is an unjustifiable figure.
Trey Burton
Burton is tied for fifth in the NFL in special teams tackles. Clearly, he's on the punt cover team.
Overall tight end grade: C-
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