The Unknown Eagle

When the “experts” talk about the Philadelphia Eagles, and the talent that they have at the skill positions, they never forget to name DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy, and Brent Celek, but one Eagle is never mentioned. This Eagle has had to fight for his job during recent years, and very rarely got onto the field. When he did, he made it the most of it. This unknown Eagle is Jason Avant. Name doesn’t ring a bell? Well, it probably shouldn’t. Avant was very sparingly used during his first 3 years in Philadelphia, but found his niche in the Eagles’ offense last year. He isn’t the explosive threat that Jackson or Maclin are, but Avant can be the possession receiver that this Eagles team needs. In the McNabb version of Andy Reid’s offense, most receivers were running deep routes to clear out the Intermediate passing game for Westbrook, and Celek. This type of system didn’t fit the style of player Avant was. Andy Reid realized this and started sending him on routes that would allow him to get across the middle where he could use his body to shield defenders from the ball. With the new addition of Kolb under center, Coach Reid will have to move from the vertical passing game he used under the strong-armed McNabb to a more balanced West Coast offense that plays to Kolb’s strength of accuracy over strength.

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The instillation of the West Coast offense will lead to a lot more emphasis on the intermediate passing game. (DeSean Jackson fans do not be worried. Jackson will be as potent as ever because now defense will not be able to shift their safeties over the top to double him.) This new emphasis on the intermediate passing game fits Avant perfectly. He will now be able to terrorize the middle of the field by running posts and crosses through the middle of the field making the safeties pinch in to stop him, which will open up space for the likes of Jackson, Maclin, and McCoy to run through. Also with Avant running across the middle linebackers will not be able to solely key on Celek as much as they did late last season. For those of you doubting Avant’s talent, you must have never watched an Eagles game last season. The man made big catches throughout the season when McNabb was in trouble. Avant is a person that is not afraid to go across the middle, and take a hit. .

I’m not trying to state that Jason Avant is a No. 1 receiver in the NFL because he isn’t but to not mention him when you bring up the Eagles’ talent at the skill positions means that these “experts” haven’t truly looked deep inside into what makes the Eagles go. I can remember 10 times last season where Avant has made drive-saving catches that other receivers would not have held on to. To be a complete offensive team in the NFL, you need a solid running back (McCoy), a good blocking/receiving tight end(Celek), a game-changer(We have 2 in Jackson, and Maclin), a solid quarterback(which I think Kolb will be), and a possession receiver(Avant). Avant is the final piece of the puzzle the recent Eagles haven’t had. I predict a big year for Avant as long as he does not get hurt. He should be able to thrive in this new balanced West Coast system, and could be a major piece of a playoff team. If Avant does not thrive, teams will be able to double

Jackson, and shut him down (like most teams did in the second half of the 2009 season). Avant’s success could make the Eagles a serious contender in the NFC, and might earn the Eagles a chance in the Super Bowl.

By: Louis Greco
Pro Football Fans Philadelphia Eagles Correspondent