Points Proven

PHILADELPHIA – Most of the Eagles backups will tell you that they prepare each week as if they’re among the 22 starters.

That’s why when opportunities arise, such as Sunday afternoon’s season finale against the Giants when starters were rested, and their numbers are called, they’re programmed to spring to action.

When you attack every practice and fixate on details in the diligent manner that tight end E.J. Jenkins does, habits tend to fall into place.

Regardless of role, the routine and preparation remain the same.

The same can be said for Eagles rookie wide receiver Ainias Smith, who navigated a tumultuous summer that included inconsistency, a brief stint on injured reserve, and virtually invisibility on game days, hoping for an opportunity to showcase his growth.

Since his activation in late October, Smith has remained a bit of an enigma. Behind the scenes, he’s prided his spiritual growth, while also citing his emphasis on obedience and discipline – self-programming to always be on the go, even when he might not feel up to it.

“Wake up, being out here in Philly is a little different,” Smith said. “Waking up in the snow and it’s cold, I’m not used to it. But I still gotta go out there and go to work, even though I may not feel like it all the time.

“But that’s what you’re here for. And I’m blessed to do it, and I’m thankful, man. I’m just honored to be here.”

The work on the practice field and in the classroom prepared both Smith and Jenkins for their respective opportunities against the New York Giants at the Linc, a game the Eagles won, 20-13, despite a starting lineup of mostly reserves.

The Eagles had already locked up the No. 2 seed for the NFC playoffs, giving head coach Nick Sirianni a chance to rest his starters.

Eagles TE E.J. Jenkins (84) celebrates with teammates after his first career catch and TD catch.

Once cornerback Kelee Ringo broke on a Drew Lock pass – nearly coming up with the interception – the play resulted in a turnover on downs.

All eyes then diverted to the Eagles’ offense as it took the field at its own 49-yard line.

Quarterback Tanner McKee, the starter Sunday but a third-stringer in reality, completed his first two passes to tight end Dallas Goedert.

Armed with a fresh set on downs, and with 15 yards between the huddle and the end zone, McKee then dropped back and delivered a strike over the middle to Smith.

It was both McKee’s third touchdown toss in as many weeks and the first touchdown reception of the enigmatic wideout’s career.

“Had a cool little boot route,” Smith recalled after the game. “Roll-out pass. Defense, they came up and bit on the run, and everybody got to falling back.

“There was nobody there to guard me, so God just had it to where that was my opportunity. And I made the most of it.”

Smith, who finished with 35 yards on four receptions, had an obvious rapport with McKee, which prompted Smith to reflect back to their offseason throwing sessions.

The pair, relegated to scout team most weeks, rarely get reps during practice. But they’d always find time to make up for the lack of volume by running some routes.

To Smith’s credit, he made the most of his scant opportunities against the Giants, seemingly fighting for every yard with the ball in his hand and showcasing far more confidence than the rookie who had blundered his way through training camp.

Furnished with the opportunity to play meaningful snaps in the finale, Smith wanted to showcase his execution, playing free and playing fast.

“Really just wanted to show that I belong,” he said. “I didn’t go out there trying to prove anything to anybody, I really just wanted to go out there and play for my guys.

“I’m not out here doing it for all the fans, and all the attention and whatnot. I’m thankful for what comes with that, but I’m doing it for God. And that’s what I wanted to showcase.”

As for his first touchdown ball, Smith hasn’t given much thought about his plans for it, though he alluded that it would likely end up with family.

“Oh, I’m keeping that for sure,” he said. “Probably give it to pops, mom, somebody. I’m gonna do something with it, for sure.”

For Jenkins, circumstances were a bit different.

The second-year tight end had finally settled into the No.3 tight end role after spending much of the season on the practice squad.

Jenkins had seen the field sparingly to this point, most of his snaps coming on special teams. Forty-four on offense, 76 on special teams, to be exact.

Not a household name, Jenkins has upside and has exhibited steady progression. A former collegiate wide receiver, the 6-foot-6, 260-pound prospect was determined to become a more proficient blocker, working with tight ends coach Jason Michael during the spring and summer and observing the way locker mate Dallas Goedert approaches that facet of the job.

Jenkins’ athleticism was evident, along with rare size and a thirst for improvement. It’s easy to see why the Eagles remained intent on seeing his development through.

For much of Sunday’s game, even when the running game floundered, Jenkins did the dirty work, driving players off the ball and getting “grimy.”

“I just wanted to impose my will and really just set the standard that I can block and I can play tight end in this league,” he said. “Really just focusing on that and blocking was my main focus, as it always has been.

“But showing the league that I’m not just a receiver. I can get down, I can get grimy just like anybody else in this league. Really just imposing my will on people and let them know I got the grit to do it.”

With Goedert stationed on the sideline next to most of the starters after some early action, Jenkins undertook a larger role on offense.

Putting the accent mark on McKee’s 7-play, 61-yard mark was Jenkins’ 7-yard touchdown catch, sneaking just inside the right pylon.

It was not only the first career touchdown for Jenkins, but also his first career reception.

“We do a whole bunch of motion and stuff now, way different than last year,” he said. “And having the motions and everything, it really messes up the defense.

“So, you don’t know what’s coming. I just used my speed to get out to the sideline as fast as I could. I knew they were bringing edge pressure, and I knew it was gonna be open.”

While many observers had either checked out of the game or simply didn’t know which players were on the field, the game carried plenty of meaning for obscure Eagles like Jenkins.

The moment served as a reminder of rewards that await those who hard work and prepare.

Jenkins, noticeably elated following the score, pump-faked in celebration, seemingly pausing for a moment.

As it turns out, he’d recalled what had occurred the week before in a similar moment for a teammate.

“You remember last week, when A.J. [Brown] threw Tanner’s ball [into the crowd],” he explained. “So, being that it was my first one, wanted to pump-fake the crowd and make sure that I kept the ball – so I keep that one.”

Jenkins didn’t hesitate, however, when asked what he’d do with the football, now that he doesn’t have to worry about tracking it down.

“I’m probably gonna put it up on my wall back at home, or something like that,” he said. “The first regular season touchdown on the first reception of the season. So, it’s gonna be a real special one for me.”

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.