While the Eagles aren’t always making the moves that thrill the fan base, you can’t argue that they haven’t been making any adjustments this offseason.¬† The latest came today when they released Kevin Curtis and Darren Howard.
Curtis came in and played well in 2007, racking up 1,110 yards.¬† I always preferred him in his natural slot position, but the Eagles didn’t have that luxury then and he was playing outside.¬† Since then?¬† He’s caught 39 passes in 12 games over the last two seasons.¬† His body is simply breaking down.¬† Whether it was his knee or a sports hernia, Curtis just couldn’t stay on the field.¬† You’ll remember G. noting quite a bit that every time he saw him at practice, whether on the field or on the sidelines, he just looked like a guy whose body was giving out on him.
It’s a shame because you think of what a younger, healthier Curtis could have been as the slot guy.¬† Avant fills that role really well, but imagine the pure speed on the field with Jackson, Maclin and then Curtis in the slot, which was his home in St. Louis.¬† But that’s obviously never going to happen now.
Darren Howard has been a disappointment since signing in 2006.¬† I really think the Eagles always loved him when he was in New Orleans, but they got him when it was too late.¬† His best years were with the Saints.¬† Not that he’s been a total waste.¬† He had 10 sacks in 2008 and 6.5 last year.¬† But they brought him in as an edge rusher at DE and most of his productivity came as a pass-rushing DT in obvious throwing situations.¬† He was due to make $3.5 million and the Eagles surely didn’t want to pay him that.
So, no more Andrews, Curtis and Howard.  In now are Darryl Tapp and Marlin Jackson.  Are these championship moves?  I highly doubt it, but the Eagles are clearly looking to shuffle things up a bit.
