PHILADELPHIA — Jahan Dotson knows he has a limited role. That’s why the Eagles’ No. 3 wide receiver makes it a point to remind himself of his motto after every drive. 

“Whenever it comes to me, I’m going to make a play,” Dotson said. “I have full trust in myself, and I know this team does. When the opportunity arises, I’m going to make a play. … Be ready.”

Dotson was more than ready to meet the moment on Sunday against the Giants. 

Even without A.J. Brown in the lineup, Dotson was targeted only twice in the Eagles’ 38-20 win. But the former Penn State star made the most of his lone reception, hauling in a jump ball, 40-yard touchdown that will go down as one of the best catches of the NFL season so far.

The Eagles were already up big on the Giants when Dotson made his highlight reel play. Philadelphia was well on its way to a 6-2 record, holding a 31-13 lead midway through the fourth quarter thanks in large part to Saquon Barkley’s 150-yard breakout performance. But there was still time for another former Nittany Lion to make his mark on the game.  

The Eagles faced a third-and-6 at New York’s 40. The Giants showed blitz and committed to it, sending six rushers after Jalen Hurts and keeping a spy on the QB. Dotson ran a double move on the outside, which didn’t fool Giants corner Korie Black. But it didn’t matter. 

“I didn’t get too much separation, but I saw the ball in the air. It was hanging up there forever,” Dotson said. “The DB kind of bit too early and thought he had an easy (interception).”

Instead, Dotson went over the top and snatched it from his grasp. It was a ridiculous grab, one reminiscent of Dotson’s time at Penn State. It was the kind of play — a jump ball, contested catch — that contributed to Dotson being selected in the first round in 2022. 

Dotson hasn’t had the chance to make many of those plays at the next level. After a promising rookie season with the Commanders, he fizzled out in Washington, prompting a low-risk trade to the Eagles in August 2024. Dotson spent last fall mostly learning the offense and building a rapport with Hurts as the No. 3 receiver behind Brown and DeVonta Smith.

In 15 regular-season games with Hurts last year, Dotson had only 12 catches on 22 targets for 122 yards. A touchdown against the Packers in the NFC Wild Card round and a big catch in Super Bowl LIX offered a glimpse of what Dotson could provide the Eagles’ offense. 

Dotson popped up again with a 51-yard catch in the Week 1 win over the Cowboys. But from Weeks 2-7, Dotson had only four catches for 52 yards on nine targets. So he’s been biding his time, waiting for another opportunity like the one on Sunday to come his way.

And Dotson took full advantage, making a circus catch that iced the Eagles’ win — and could land him on ESPN’s “You Got Mossed” segment ahead of Monday Night Football.

“Someone actually said that on the sideline after the catch,” Dotson said. “I’ll be keeping a lookout for it.”

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