Vinny Curry Should Start Over Cedric Thornton

The Philadelphia Eagles have a wealth of talent on the defensive line. I would go so far as to say that the Eagles have one of the best defensive lines in the entire league. If the Eagles want to get the most out of their defensive line, it is time to give Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry the starting nod over Eagles defensive end Cedric Thornton.

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The Eagles know they have a very talented pass-rusher in Curry, but the Eagles scheme thus far has kept Curry from being on the field. Curry is very much a 4-3 defensive end, so finding a fit for him in the Eagles 3-4 under scheme is difficult for Eagles defensive coordinator Billy Davis. This is compounded with the fact that the Eagles have a very good 3-4 defensive end in Thornton. While Thornton is one of the best run-stuffing defensive ends in the league–3rd overall run-stopping defensive end in the league according to Pro Football Focus–he offers very little in terms of pass-rush.

Knowing that Curry is too talented to keep on the sideline, the Eagles have been trying him out at outside linebacker. The issue is that the outside linebacker position would require Curry to drop into coverage, which is not a strength for him. The Eagles need to play to the players’s strengths, and moving Curry to outside linebacker is not the answer.

If you play Madden or listen to any NFL commentary, you know that today’s NFL is a passing league. Those defenses that can consistently pressure the quarterback and shut down opposing receivers are the defenses that can carry their teams.

Pass-rushers valued much more heavily in today’s NFL than run-stoppers. That is because pass-rushers, the guys with the quick first step who know how to use their hands to get past or through defensive tackles, are uniquely skilled. It requires a tremendous amount of technique and skill to be a good pass-rusher. Being a good run-stuffer, while requiring technique, is less unique. Run-stuffers need a strong lower body to hold their ground and the correct technique to hold the edge and not get pinned inside, as well as long arms and big hands to keep offensive tackles at bay.

Thornton is more built for run-stopping, and Curry is built like a pass-rusher. He is extremely explosive, but currently weighs about 30 pounds less than Thornton. Luckily for Curry and the Philadelphia Eagles, Curry can line up with Eagles outside linebacker Connor Barwin behind him. Barwin is one of the premiere outside backers in the game and can both rush the passer and set the edge in the run game. Having Barwin behind him would make Curry have to focus solely on not getting pushed off the ball. With his athleticism, that really should not be an issue.

In my overall defensive end grading system, coming out of college, Curry graded out exceptionally well. He graded out as a Pro Bowl defensive end, while Thornton graded out as a low-end starter or high-end backup.

For this defense to reach new heights, they will have to be able to get after the quarterback. The Philadelphia Eagles have been very good at stopping the run for two years, but it’s time for this team to take the next step in becoming an elite pass defense. With the 3rd overall sack total last year, the Eagles can lead the team in sacks in 2015 if they start Curry, who graded out as the 4th best pass-rusher in the league last year in limited snaps.

What do you think? Should the Eagles start Curry over Thornton? Let me know in the comments below.

Fly Eagles Fly.

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