Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
So far this preseason, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry has lived in the opponents back field getting pressure both standing up and inside as a nickel defensive tackle. Opposing guards and tackles have been no match for Curry thus far and he seems to be fitting into Billy Davis’ new 3-4 scheme perfectly despite questions that he may not be the right fit.
Curry has certainly been the surprise of the preseason for the Eagles. Not much was heard about him in training camp and how he was fitting in besides the fact that he had put on weight for his new position as a defensive end as a 3-4 as he needed to be stout against the run. Curry’s pass rushing skills have certainly been at the forefront as his relentless attack of the ball carrier and quarterback have not gone unnoticed by new head coach Chip Kelly and his staff.
The defensive line as a whole seems to be a strength of the football team early on. Curry, Cedric Thornton, Fletcher Cox and Bennie Logan are all adjusting well to their roles in the 3-4 defense stuffing the run, batting down balls, and getting pressure on the Quarterback.
If the defensive line can get consistent pressure as well as linebackers such as Brandon Graham, Trent Cole, and Connor Barwin than the front seven can make an average secondary look better by quickening decisions for opposing Quarterbacks and forcing mistakes and turnovers. The defensive line looks like the strength of the defense early. If the can keep creating pressure this could be a surprise unit in 2013.
