Eagles starting split end Kevin Curtis continues to struggle to get healthy. Previously it was a problem with a sports hernia, then he had a problem with hamstring and groin.
The former St. Louis Ram has been practicing this week but he hasn’t been able to go out there and really turn it loose. Curtis isn’t a big receiver, so his speed and quickness are vital to his success.
With the loss of his speed and quickness he is becoming very average to below average receiver. You can’t count on him to get deep and he doesn’t do anything with the ball after he gets his hands on it.
It also wouldn’t hurt if he starts catching the football consistently.
Rookie Jeremy Maclin would take over is Curtis can’t go, but I think rookie Brandon Gibson is the guy who should be stepping in for Curtis.
Maclin has a huge upside with his combination of speed and size, but Gibson is the more polished receiver at this point. Maclin is going to grow into a monster because he’s got the frame to get bigger and stronger.
If you combine his size in a year or two with his speed and a better knowledge of how to use his ability in this offense, the Eagles are going to be amazing at the wide out spot, when you figure in the already spectacular DeSean Jackson.
Gibson will be the steady guy in the group, who runs great routes, catches everything thrown his way and has the size and speed to backup at all of the positions.
He’s more prepared than Maclin to step in there this week and do the job. The fact that he was drafted in the seventh round and Maclin was drafted in the first are the reasons, Jeremy will be playing.
Still the problem here is Curtis, who has dropped passes in both games. He hasn’t been productive in the preseason or in the two regular season games.
The clock is ticking on him and somepoint soon they’re going to have to sit him down unless he gets healthy and becomes more productive.
Regardless, Curtis is playing his last year with the Birds, he’s making big money and holding some great young wide receiver talent the Birds have behind him.
