The Wide Receivers and Tight Ends were a position of weakness all year. Despite this, the Eagles somehow managed to rank 10th in passing yards per-game. In this case, the statistics lie. The receivers struggled trying to get open when it really mattered. They were constantly jammed on obvious passing downs. If the Eagles want better production out of this group, they need to teach these young guys how to be more physical in the passing game.
Kevin Curtis
The thing I really liked about Kevin Curtis is that you could tell he was really trying to become a more physical receiver. When the year started, he was easily jammed at the line of scrimmage every play, with the exception of the Detroit game (Did the Lions even field a defense in that game?). By the end of the year, Curtis made a great effort to reach up and grab those tough throws in tight coverage, wrestling the ball away from defenders. Although Curtis wasn’t the burner I thought he would be, he proved his production in St. Louis wasn’t just a benefit of playing behind Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce. Curtis isn’t a red zone threat, but he’s the guy that gets you in position for your red zone personnel to score.
The verdict: Curtis will continue to improve as he gets used to the offense, and should play an even bigger role next season. However, at age 30 he won’t be around long.
Reggie Brown
I’m very disappointed in Reggie. This was supposed to be his breakout season, but instead he regressed. Despite shattering his previous career-high reception total of 46 catches with 61 catches, he actually managed to gain more yards on those 46. Although Brown progressed slightly as the year went on, he never had that knack he had for the end zone that he displayed last season.
The verdict: Is the Reggie we’ll see for the rest of his career? Or was this season just a speed bump? Brown remains one of the biggest question marks on the team. Some of the greatest receivers didn’t break out until their fourth season (Marvin Harrison, anyone?), so he still has a shot. It’s a close call, but I didn’t see Reggie play with any heart all year long.
Jason Avant
In the beginning of the year, Avant came out of nowhere with big catches when no other receiver was doing anything. After that, Avant disappeared. To be honest, I never liked Avant coming out of college and I’m still not convinced to deserves to be wearing Eagles green. Next season will be his last chance to win me over.
The verdict: While I appreciate Avant’s effort, I’m just not sure he has what it takes to produce on the pro level. It’s too early to judge.
Hank Baskett
I was happy when the Eagles traded for Baskett. Anytime you can get something for an awful player like Billy McMullen, that’s a good trade. Baskett had promise last season, but this year showed everyone why he went undrafted in the ‘07 draft. The only good thing Baskett did was block well in the running game.
The verdict: After vanishing this year, his roster spot has to be in danger. At 6′4, Baskett could become the big red zone target the Eagles need, but he’ll need to prove it in training camp.
Greg Lewis
Greg Lewis continued his mediocre career this year. He’ s a good fifth receiver to have. He has speed and will make the play when the defense is caught sleeping. He also continued his inexplicable dominance over the Patriots this season with 2 touchdowns in that game.
The verdict: I don’t mind Lewis at all if he’s at the bottom of the depth and he isn’t taking the roster spot of someone I like better. He’s good for a play or two a season.
L.J. Smith
Injuries ruined L.J.’s contract year. The Tight End was missed on the field this year. When healthy, Smith is a threat over the middle and in the red zone. 2008 was actually the worst year of L.J.’s career. Smith is a player that I like, but it’s looking like Smith wants to play elsewhere next season.
The verdict: While it wouldn’t be a bad thing to see Smith back next season, Smith’s contract has expired and it looks like he won’t be around next year.
Matt Schoble
Nothing really to say about Schoble this year. He was a disappointment.
The verdict: While he’ll probably be back next season, he’ll be at the bottom of the depth chart.
Brent Celek
I must admit I had no idea who Celek was when he was drafted last offseason. However, it looks like the Eagles got another 5th round steal. Towards the end of the season, Celek looked good. He played with heart and made big catches across the middle of the field.
The verdict: Celek has starting potential in the future, but it might not be next year. As Avant and Baskett have shown, the sophomore slump can strike hard. Celek’s a player I look forward to watching in the future.
That’s it for my receiver and tight end analysis. Look for the Eagles to bring in a big, nasty, physical player to challenge the guys they have on the roster. Stay tuned for an analysis of the offensive line!
