National Football League

Philadelphia Eagles: Miles Austin contributing as a mentor

Published Jun. 23, 2015 11:32 a.m. ET

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By Anthony Fabrikant

Veteran wide receiver Miles Austin hasn’t truly been relevant since he donned the illustrious star representing the Dallas Cowboys. Last season as a Cleveland Brown he reeled in 47 receptions for 568 yards and 2 touchdowns. It wasn’t as bad as his final season in Dallas during 2013 where he only played in 11 games but it showed that the big, possession receiver wasn’t physically dominating his opponents anymore. But also that his ability to sustain health throughout the duration of an NFL season has dwindled. When the Philadelphia Eagles signed Austin to a one year deal at the end of March many scouts and fans believed it was merely to fill a roster spot for organized team activities (OTAs) and the rest of the offseason. But the word coming out of both OTAs and mini-camp is that Austin has been an integral part in developing the route running of Nelson Agholor, Jordan Matthews, and Josh Huff; three receivers expected to carry the workload of the receiving core this season.

Austin exploded onto the season in 2009 when he garnered 81 catches for 1,320 yards, and 11 touchdowns. He and Cowboy quarterback Tony Romo wreaked havoc in bringing the Cowboys back to postseason relevance. He added an additional 20 touchdown receptions over the next three seasons before chronic injuries impeded his ability to compete, forcing him to head to Cleveland, where they weren’t sure who would take snaps at quarterback.

Most savvy fans remember the fanfare and competition between Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer last season. Hoyer would eventually win and lead the Browns to a hot start with playoff aspirations until the end of the season where they couldn’t punch their ticket to the postseason. During their hot streak the Browns pulled off a huge victory over Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. In that game, Austin pulled in 6 catches for 44 yards and a touchdown that would prove to be the difference as the Browns edged the Saints 26-24.

Austin’s season ended prematurely again in Cleveland and he was put on the injured reserve list in December because of a painful kidney injury. Austin’s primary point of success last season wasn’t statistical. He worked with a young group of receivers that lacked experience after Josh Gordon received a season-long suspension. This experience has already paid dividends for the Eagles who, for the second consecutive offseason, lost their leading receiver in Jeremy Maclin.

Maclin’s departure left a hole that resembles experience

The experience and finesse that Austin has showcased over recent weeks was noted by head coach Chip Kelly. With Jeremy Maclin signing with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Eagles need to bolster their receiving core. Austin’s tutelage on the young receivers could have huge results - being in the NFL and getting open as a receiver has a lot to do with route-running and the receiver’s ability to disengage from their opponent. Kelly has said that Austin’s knowledge of how to run pristine routes is why having him at camp has helped Agholor, Matthews, and Huff in their progressions and ability to be effective on the field.

Truthfully, Austin may see continued statistical depreciation this season. But his value won’t simply be based on statistics like it did in Dallas. More like in Cleveland, Austin will be expected to be the icon of route-running for the Eagles’ young receivers and could potentially make some crucial receptions for the team as well. Most players don’t age well, but Austin has shown an ability to mentor younger players in Cleveland and during his short time as an Eagle, which will only help the youngsters prosper sooner.

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