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Zach Ertz pulls in three big catches and a TD

Eagles tight end Zach Ertz began his bid for a breakout season Sunday with three catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. Ertz had two 26-yard receptions and one for 25 yards.

Eagles tight end Zach Ertz. (Clem Murray/Staff Photographer)
Eagles tight end Zach Ertz. (Clem Murray/Staff Photographer)Read more

Eagles tight end Zach Ertz began his bid for a breakout season Sunday with three catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. Ertz had two 26-yard receptions and one for 25 yards.

The Eagles started with Ertz in the slot, but was used in different ways throughout the afternoon. He took advantage of the middle of the field, where Ertz proved to be a difficult matchup in the seam.

"I'm more of a complete tight end this year than last year," Ertz said. "I've made some improvements in the blocking specifically. I made plays in the passing game. Hopefully I can contribute more and more each week."

Ertz has caught six touchdowns in his last 10 games for the Eagles, including the postseason. On Sunday's touchdown, he needed to make an adjustment on the ball in midair.

"I thought I was going to get hit pretty hard," Ertz said. "The ball kind of stayed up there a little longer than Nick [Foles] probably anticipated. But luckily for me, the safeties didn't get there and I was able to high-point the ball and make a play."

Injuries

Running back Chris Polk was inactive for Sunday's game with a hamstring injury, leaving the Eagles with only two running backs. Wide receiver Josh Huff (shoulder), tackle Matt Tobin (ankle), and cornerback Jaylen Watkins (hamstring) were also inactive because of injuries.

Quarterback Matt Barkley, tackle Dennis Kelly, and defensive end Taylor Hart were healthy scratches.

Linebacker Marcus Smith, a first-round pick, was active but did not enter the game. Backup quarterback Mark Sanchez was the only other Eagles player not to play.

Guard Evan Mathis (knee), tackle Allen Barbre (ankle), and linebacker Najee Goode (pectoral muscle) left the game and did not return. Coach Chip Kelly said he did not meet with the training staff before addressing reporters.

"Sometimes afterward it's not anything until they see the doctor tomorrow," Kelly said.

Kelly will meet with reporters at 1 p.m. on Monday.

Penn State connection

The Jaguars' leading tackler was former Penn State standout Paul Posluszny, who had 11 solo tackles and 12 total tackles. Rookie receiver Allen Robinson, who is also a Penn State product, finished with one catch.

The Jaguars' quarterback was Chad Henne, who grew up in Wyomissing, Berks County. Henne went 24 of 43 for two touchdowns in front of about 30 friends and family members.