Jordan Matthews led all Eagle receivers with 73 snaps on Sunday afternoon, and then was promptly waived Monday evening.

What now on the outside? That’s where J-Matt was playing in Alshon Jeffery’s absence, and Doug Pederson was asked Wednesday about his plan moving forward:

We know that J.J. (Arcega-Whiteside) has been kind of cross-training at a lot of different positions. We kept him at X, he’s learned Z, he can play Z. Mack (Hollins), obviously he can play all three. But J.J. is kind of the guy now. He’s the one that’s in that position and he’s done some nice things the last couple of games. He’s gaining some confidence in that. Nelly obviously can play over there. Bringing Greg (Ward) up, obviously gives some flexibility in the slot. J.J. and Mack will kind of fill that spot and really kind of back up a couple of spots.

Hollins played 4 snaps on Sunday while Arcega-Whiteside got 54, turning five targets into two catches for 43 yards.

In previous weeks, we were told that Alshon Jeffery’s presence was keeping JJAW off the field, as he was essentially playing the same position as the 29-year-old veteran. Both Pederson and Mike Groh pointed out that they were cross-training him at the same time.

What does all of that X/Y/Z stuff mean anyway? Sounds like that one Rush song, but it’s not. That’s YYZ.

In simple terms, the Y is typically a tight end. Your X and Z are outside receivers, with the former normally lining up on the weak side with the latter on the strong side. Back in the day, they used to call the Z a “flanker” and the X a “split end.” The Z would line up off the line of scrimmage while the X is typically on the line.

Simple diagram here via Football for Dummies:

 

Anyway, it’s about time we see more of Arcega-Whiteside on the field in general. The guy went to Stanford, so we know he’s not dumb. He can figure this out.

For what it’s worth, Doug was also asked if Greg Ward will continue to have a role on offense:

“I think so, I think he’s earned it,” Pederson said Wednesday. “He’s deserved it by the way he’s practice. So yeah, he’ll have a role.”

Good to hear. I’d like to see more of Ward.

Pederson went to to say this, regarding what he likes about JJAW:

“I just think what I’ve seen in practice. How he’s working, how he’s taking his coaching from the classroom to the practice field. Some of the things he did in the game last week. Even though the ball necessarily didn’t go his direction, the way he was able to run routes and the things he did that way, blocking, things of that nature. And look, it’s where we are in our season, these guys were drafted for a reason and now we’ve got to get them to play, and play well.”

Full Doug video: