It might not seem like much -- a couple of carries for 15 yards, a single reception for seven. But those were landmark numbers for Philadelphia Eagles fullback Stanley Havili, who hit a bunch of career highs in the Eagles’ 19-17 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday.
Of course, he didn’t have to reach too high to get them.
Havili spent all of last year, his rookie season, on the practice squad. The seventh-round draft pick showed enough to win the starting fullback job this season, but the Eagles’ fullback generally has two roles – blocking for the quarterback and running backs or sitting on the bench watching.
Havili spent all of last year, his rookie season, on the practice squad. The seventh-round draft pick showed enough to win the starting fullback job this season, but the Eagles’ fullback generally has two roles – blocking for the quarterback and running backs or sitting on the bench watching.
And that’s all Havili had done through the first three games this season, when he had a total of two carries for one yard and one reception for four yards. But on Sunday, suddenly he was a bigger part of the offense, both as a blocker, runner and receiver.
“I never know what to expect when I go into a game, so I make sure I’m ready for everything,’’ Havili said. “Sure, it’s more fun to be involved in the offense, but I feel like I’m involved if all I do is block and play on special teams.”
Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said Havili’s dedication and hard work on the practice squad last season impressed the coaches and he earned the chance to win the starting job in training camp. And now he may have earned a chance for a few more carries and a couple of more receptions.
“Stanley’s a good football player,’’ Mornhinweg said. “We knew that right off the bat last year when he was here. Certainly, we had some plans for him and he’s a natural football player. He can run with the football, he can block, he can catch and then he’s got the the natural instincts to go along with it.”
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Philadelphia Eagles from blogger Kevin Noonan, follow @CBSEagles.