Philadelphia Eagles: Which 5 Players Deserve To Start?

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Vinny Curry, Defensive End

When the Philadelphia Eagles transitioned from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4, many players from the old regime would be forced to play positions that they had never played before. Defensive end Vinny Curry is the perfect example of this. Curry was drafted in 2012 by old head coach Andy Reid, Curry was brought in to be 4-3 wide nine defensive end. When Reid and his staff were fired and new head coach Chip Kelly was hired, Kelly brought the 3-4 defense with him and forced Curry to become a two gap defensive end.

At 6’3 279lbs, Curry is undersized for his position, the growing pains were evident the first couple of games for Curry and many thought his time in Philadelphia would be short lived. As Curry adjusted, his game improved and became a dominant pass rusher in 2014 finishing with 9 sacks and 4 forced fumbles. Vinny has turned into a playmaker for the Philadelphia Eagles, and warrants not only more playing time but a starting spot. The men ahead of Curry are very good players, Fletcher Cox is an elite player, and Cedric Thornton is a solid starter, but Vinny is too good to keep on the sidelines. If Curry continues to improve on his run support, he could challenge Thornton for the starting job opposite Cox.