Brent Celek endeared himself to fans with his breakout performances this month as he helped the Eagles get to 2-1 at the bye week. He also captivated fans with his ability to drag multiple defenders with him before he's tackled.
But what might be his most impressive feat this past month is his consistency.
Celek has recorded back-to-back 100-yard receiving games becoming the first Eagles tight end to do that since Pete Retzlaff in 1965. He has led the Eagles in receptions in each of the last four games, going back to the NFC Championship in Arizona.
"Week in and week out I am just trying to play consistent," Celek said. "I am trying to be in the right place at the right time so the quarterback can depend on me on every play. That has been my goal all along and that will continue to be my goal."
Entering Week 4, Celek leads all NFL tight ends in receptions (22) and is second in yards (245). He is second in the NFC in receptions among all players and fourth in receiving yards. Ironically enough, tight end was considered one of the positions that the Eagles had to improve after last season. It turns out the guy the Eagles needed was in the nest all along.
"I gave 110 percent every day in the weight room, eating – I devoted my entire life to football and it is starting to pay off," said Celek, who took over as the starter late in 2008. "I don't think I am doing anything special. I just think I am doing what the coaches are telling me to do and being in the right place at the right time."
Here's a look at Celek's September numbers compared to some of the best seasons by a tight end in recent Eagles history and last year's top tight end in the NFL - Tony Gonzalez. It could be a *season *to remember for Celek if he keeps his pace up.
Keith Jackson - 1988 | ||||
Date | Opponent | Rec. | Yards | TD |
Sept. 4, 1988 | at Tampa Bay | 2 | 9 | 1 |
Sept. 11, 1988 | vs. Cincinnati | 10 | 76 | 1 |
Sept. 18, 1988 | at Washington | 5 | 47 | 0 |
Sept. 25, 1988 | at Minnesota | 4 | 50 | 1 |
September Total | 21 | 182 | 3 | |
*Finished the season with 81 catches, the most-ever by an Eagles tight end. |
Chad Lewis - 2000 | ||||
Date | Opponent | Rec. | Yards | TD |
Sept. 3, 2000 | at Dallas | 1 | 6 | 0 |
Sept. 10, 2000 | vs. Giants | 4 | 67 | 1 |
Sept. 17, 2000 | at Green Bay | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Sept. 24, 2000 | at New Orleans | 5 | 43 | 1 |
September Total | 10 | 116 | 2 | |
*Led all NFL tight ends with 69 catches for 735 yards by season's end. |
Tony Gonzalez - 2008 | ||||
Date | Opponent | Rec. | Yards | TD |
Sept. 7, 2008 | at New England | 6 | 55 | 0 |
Sept. 14, 2008 | vs. Oakland | 5 | 39 | 1 |
Sept. 21, 2008 | at Atlanta | 4 | 35 | 0 |
Sept. 28, 2008 | vs. Denver | 3 | 47 | 1 |
September Total | 18 | 176 | 2 | |
*Finished the season with 96 catches for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns. |
Brent Celek - 2009 | ||||
Date | Opponent | Rec. | Yards | TD |
Sept. 13, 2009 | at Carolina | 6 | 37 | 1 |
Sept. 20, 2009 | vs. New Orleans | 8 | 104 | 0 |
Sept. 27, 2009 | vs. Kansas City | 8 | 104 | 1 |
September Total | 22 | 245 | 2 | |
*Already five catches short of his career high of 27 last season. |