Zach Ertz's historic season continued on Monday night, as the sixth-year tight end set yet another milestone during this illustrious campaign. A week after notching his 400th career catch, Ertz set the Eagles' single-season receptions record with his 91st catch of the season, which came midway through the third quarter of the Eagles' 28-13 win over Washington.
Brian Westbrook had held the single-season franchise receptions record with his 90 catches in 2007. Ertz broke that record on Monday night, finishing the night with 93 catches on the season (which ranks second among all NFL players this year, trailing only Minnesota wide receiver Adam Thielen).
"There have been so many great players in this organization and to set the record at home is obviously really special," Ertz said after the game. "At the same time, the most important thing was being able to win. (Coming into the game at) 5-6 against a good football team, a really good run defense. They have good players up and down that defense, so it was something that we needed tonight."
Ertz accounted for 83 of the Eagles' 306 yards of offense through the air against Washington. All season long, it's been clear that his chemistry with quarterback Carson Wentz has been ramped up even higher than it was last season.
"Yeah, I think this year it's definitely taken that next step," Ertz said. "I think last year we were playing at a high level, but this year we've taken that next step.
"We see the game so similarly. We talk about football all the time and we're totally invested in being the best players we can be for this team, this organization. We just love the game of football. We love talking about it. We love the fine art of route-running and the timing of the quarterback and the tight end. I think there was one time this year where we saw something different. Other than that, we see the game very similarly and it's a lot of fun playing with him. The guy's so competitive. He's so talented. It's really fun."
"He just completely understands the game, from almost a quarterback's view," said Wentz. "He knows where he needs to be. He knows coverages. He knows when I'm supposed to be 'hot,' all sorts of things. Just having another guy with that kind of intelligence, next-level intelligence, and also just the way he runs his routes and gets open, he does a great job and that's why we keep finding him."
Perhaps the most staggering fact about Ertz's numbers this season is that he's already accomplished so much with a quarter of the season still to play. The next potential milestone for Ertz? The all-time single-season receptions mark for an NFL tight end is 110, set by Jason Witten in 2012. Formerly NFC East rivals, Ertz says that he's always studied the way Witten worked to become the best receiving tight end he can be.
"In terms of route-running, just studying him for so long and finding the intricacies of how he ran routes, that's something I studied from the moment I came into the league," Ertz said. "Since I've had the opportunities to really study tight ends and study their film, he was the guy I was really watching because it seemed like on third down he was always getting his number called and he was always attacking leverage. I just really modeled my game after his. There are some differences, but I think there are a lot of similarities.
"I have the ultimate respect for him. He knows that. We have a good relationship. Obviously, I wish he didn't play for the Cowboys but it was fun playing against him for a couple years."
Check out the best photos from the Eagles' Monday-night matchup against the Washington Redskins.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
QB Carson Wentz
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Golden Tate
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
RB Josh Adams
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
K Jake Elliott
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Alshon Jeffery
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
RB Corey Clement
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
DT Fletcher Cox
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie presented the Gillece Family with their Super Bowl ring. The Gilleces were chosen from the nearly six million entries to our Eagles Autism Challenge sweepstakes earlier this season.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
CB Rasul Douglas
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie with DE Brandon Graham
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Golden Tate
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Jordan Matthews
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie tailgating with fans before the game
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie tailgating with fans before the game
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
QB Carson Wentz
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie tailgating with fans before the game
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie tailgating with fans before the game
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Golden Tate
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
QB Carson Wentz
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
RB Josh Adams
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
RB Corey Clement
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
LB Nate Gerry
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
S Malcolm Jenkins
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
OT Jason Peters
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Alshon Jeffery
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
CB Rasul Douglas and DT Haloti Ngata
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Golden Tate
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
K Jake Elliott
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
RB Josh Adams
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
OT Jason Peters
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
RB Corey Clement
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
RB Darren Sproles
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
QB Carson Wentz
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
DT Haloti Ngata
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Nelson Agholor
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
TE Zach Ertz
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
RB Darren Sproles
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
OT Lane Johnson
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
C Jason Kelce
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
QB Carson Wentz
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
K Jake Elliott
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
RB Corey Clement
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
DE Chris Long and S Malcolm Jenkins
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
DE Chris Long
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Golden Tate
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
RB Darren Sproles
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
SWOOP
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Flyers mascot Gritty
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Sixers mascot Franklin
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Nelson Agholor
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
LB Kamu Grugier-Hill
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Washington Redskins vs Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field
WR Golden Tate
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
TE Zach Ertz
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
QB Carson Wentz
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
LB Nathan Gerry
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
LB Nathan Gerry
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
RB Corey Clement
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Golden Tate
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
CB Cre'Von LeBlanc
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Jordan Matthews
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
TE Zach Ertz
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Golden Tate
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
LB Nathan Gerry
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Golden Tate
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
RB Josh Adams
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
QB Carson Wentz
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Assistant head coach/Running backs Duce Staley
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Jordan Matthews
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
LB Nathan Gerry
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Head coach Doug Pederson
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
K Jake Elliott
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
RB Josh Adams
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
DE Josh Sweat
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Golden Tate
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
S Malcolm Jenkins
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Alshon Jeffery
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Alshon Jeffery
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
DE Chris Long
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
QB Carson Wentz
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Assistant head coach/Running backs Duce Staley
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Head coach Doug Pederson
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
WR Nelson Agholor
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
DE Chris Long
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
RB Corey Clement
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
DE Michael Bennett
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018
