All the promise, all the talent, all the playmaking ability that we've been hearing about finally showed up on gameday.
Eagles wide receiver Josh Huff, whose career before Sunday was limited to one electrifying kickoff return touchdown last year and a world of untapped potential, had a career game against the Saints, with four catches for 78 yards and a long touchdown in the Eagles’ 39-17 win over the Saints at the Linc (see Instant Replay).
In parts of 14 previous career games, he had 12 catches for 137 yards.
“It definitely felt good, especially since we got the win,” Huff said. “I just prepare like I’m going to get my number called. Today, my number was called and I was able to make the most of my opportunities.”
It’s always something with Huff. He’s been hurt early in each of his two NFL seasons. He was plagued last year by drops and a fumble. He got just four snaps last week against the Redskins.
But at least for one day, the former third-round pick made news for what he did.
Not what he didn’t do.
“It was awesome,” teammate Riley Cooper said. “For him to go out there today and put all that stuff aside and play absolutely awesome — that’s what we needed.
“When Nelson (Agholor) went down (see story), we needed Huff to make plays and do things in the run game. I’m extremely proud of him. The stuff that he does — the way he can move, how fast he is, how powerful he is. He loves the game, and he plays with emotion and you can’t ask for more.
“I’m glad he could finally get that confidence. We got this win and he contributed to the win. That always feels good.”
Huff’s previous season high in yards was 20. His previous career high was 44 against Dallas last year, when he had one 44-yard catch.
This was different. Huff had the 41-yard touchdown from Sam Bradford but also an 18-yarder and a 19-yarder. He also had a season-long 40-yard kick return to open the game (see 10 observations).
Head coach Chip Kelly, who was with Huff at Oregon, said Huff’s health is the only reason he didn’t play much against the Redskins.
“You know, the one thing, and I told Josh before, he had a really good week of training,” Kelly said. “He missed the Jets game, didn't practice full toward the end of the week. He was out there every day, but it wasn't like he was full speed killing everything.
“And then he started to have a good week of training. And obviously we believe a good week of training, you sink to your level of training, and your level of training allows you to play well on Sunday. He had a good week of training and that allowed him to play well. I thought he did a really nice job for us today.”
Jordan Matthews has been inconsistent catching the ball, and Agholor has been up and down. Miles Austin and Riley Cooper have had their moments.
But if the Eagles can get Huff going consistently, it would be a huge boost to an offense that, until Sunday, was stuck in neutral.
“We’re happy for Josh,” offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said. “For a receiver, you always kind of rate yourself on production and he had some production. He’s been doing a good job all along. He’s been coming back from injury, but to get in there and have a touchdown like he did and have some other really good plays, is really good for us and certainly good for him.
“He’s a legitimate wide receiver. Does an outstanding job on special teams and when you get the ball in his hands, he’s got a chance to score touchdowns and that’s what makes him special.”