Jordan Reed is healthy this season after going through a difficult 2017 that held him to playing in just six games before the Redskins shut him down with hamstring and toe injuries. On Sunday during Washington’s Week 1 win over Arizona, Reed had four catches for 48 yards and a touchdown that helped the Redskins build a 21-0 lead.
While FOX post-game crew was showing and discussing the highlights of the game, the decorated former NFL tight end Tony Gonzalez made a bold statement about Reed.
Gonzalez proclaimed that when healthy Reed is the “best route-running tight end” in the NFL. He continued by clarifying that Reed may indeed be the “best” tight end in the NFL when he is healthy.
Tony Gonzalez on Jordan Reed: "When he's healthy, he's the best route-running tight end in the NFL. Could, possibly, the best tight end in the NFL… when healthy." pic.twitter.com/eLV8yRnfx1
— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) September 9, 2018
Reed has tremendous route-running skills. While he has yet to play a full 16 games in a season, Reed has showcased just how important he is to the Redskins. In 2015, he caught 87 passes for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games as the Redskins claim the NFC East division title. He was then established as the No. 1 receiving target of then-quarterback Kirk Cousins in 2016, and Reed caught 66 passes for 686 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games.
Those are two impressive seasons for an average tight end in the NFL, however, Reed has much more potential and that potential has been halted some due to the list of injuries he has endured throughout his career, including concussion.
Reed approached the off-season with the goal of getting his body healthy to be a prime target of new Redskins quarterback Alex Smith. That work seemed to pay off as he made himself available on a flat route, making the catch, and stretching out towards the end zone for the touchdown.
Damn Jordan Reed, what a play. Great awareness, securing the catch and then extending his arms out to get the TD. pic.twitter.com/F0bDT2Beqg
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) September 9, 2018
Gonzalez has an Hall of Fame-caliber career, as is commonly referred as the greatest tight-end in NFL history. Any praise from him about another tight end shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially, as strong as a statement he provided on Reed.
