# Eagles Rookie Makai Lemon Concerned

> Former Pro Bowl WR warns Eagles about rookie receiver's fit
- Title: Eagles Rookie Makai Lemon Concerned · Newsweek | Shortify
- Summary: Former Pro Bowl WR warns Eagles about rookie receiver's fit Eagles' coach trusts rookie receiver's unmeasured contributions despite poor game stats
- Keywords: makai lemon, philadelphia eagles, tj houshmandzadeh, nfl, pro bowl, wide receiver, eagles coach, Eagles, Rookie, Makai, Lemon, Concerned
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/nfl/former-pro-bowl-wr-says-eagles-should-be-concerned-over-star-rookie-makai-lemon-12455977
- Author: Andrew Gould
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: makai lemon, philadelphia eagles, tj houshmandzadeh, nfl, pro bowl, wide receiver, eagles coach
## Lemon's rocky debut
Makai Lemon caught three of four targets but lost five yards in Sunday's 24-22 win over Washington.

> I'm not going to call him a bust, but the Eagles should be worried because you have to design plays for him.
## Pro Bowl WR's warning
T.J. Houshmandzadeh says Eagles used No. 20 pick on Lemon for 'no reason' after acquiring Dontayvion Wicks.

> I'm not going to call him a bust, but the Eagles should be worried because you have to design plays for him.
## Schematic fit issue
Houshmandzadeh claims Lemon is a poor fit for Eagles' run-heavy offense that targets one or two receivers.

> If he's on a different team, he plays better, but the Eagles, it's gonna come off as if he can't play.
## Coach's confidence
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni says Lemon made his mark off the ball in Week 1 despite poor stats.

> There's a lot of things that Makai did in that game that don't reflect on the stat sheet.
## Unseen contributions
Sirianni highlights Lemon's blocking and positioning that help win games but aren't seen in stats.

> He's always done a good job since he's been here of blocking, doing the right things, being in the right spots.
## Key takeaway

Eagles' coach trusts rookie receiver's unmeasured contributions despite poor game stats