Just a Fantasy? Eagles TE Dallas Goedert Going Catchless Happened

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert can look no further than DeVonta Smith in last year's opener to know that opportunities will come his way as the season goes on.

PHILADELPHIA - Fantasy owners chimed in, whether it was one or more of them among the rain-soaked crowd of 64,000-plus at Gillette Stadium on Sunday voicing their opinion, or via text, or even owners in the league the Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert is in that reached out to let him hear about how he gave them nothing in their season-opening matchups.

“Yeah, fantasy owners, they weren’t too happy with me,” said Goedert. “People were yelling at me about stuff like that. But I don’t really care about that. I have myself on fantasy. I didn’t win … probably because of myself. But you know, move on to next week.”

Goedert put up a goose egg in the catches department in the Eagles’ 25-20 win over the New England Patriots, and obviously, that’s what Goedert cares about the most.

The tight end was targeted only once.

It was the fifth time in his career, which spans 70 games dating back to when he arrived in the league as a second-round pick in 2018, that he did not record a reception. The last time it happened was nearly four years ago, on Sept. 22, 2019, in a 27-24 loss to the Detroit Lions.

Dallas Goedert went without a catch in the season opener in New England / USA Today

Being held without a catch occurred three times in his rookie season. Zach Ertz was a big reason for that as he was on his way to setting the NFL record for most catches by a tight end with 116.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been shut out like that,” he said. “Obviously, it’s not very much fun.”

That said, Goedert isn’t complaining. He understands the weaponry on this offense. Plus, he saw DeVonta Smith go without a catch in last year’s season opener at the Detroit Lions.

“Smitty did a great job playing that whole game,” said Goedert. “Blocked his butt off. He came out and got a lot of targets the next week. It’s going to be like that. Whoever’s got the hot hand is going to have it. We’ve just got to keep growing as a team and don’t worry about that stuff and just try to keep winning.

Smith then went on to make 15 catches over the next two games to set the team record for receptions by a receiver with 95 with 1,196 yards.

“My goals are a lot more than just personal goals," said Goedert. "I want to win, I want this team to win, I want a Super Bowl, that’s what I care about most. So I’m going to do whatever I can. I’m not stressing about anything. I’m blessed to be here. I’m really excited for this game on Thursday and I’m going to do whatever I can to help the team win.”