Avant Primed For a Breakout

With nine catches for 100 yards in the Eagles' wins over the Vikings and Giants last post-season, is Jason Avant ready to make a leap this upcoming season?  Avant has improved with each passing season and maybe more important (just ask Reggie Brown) he has earned the trust of Donovan McNabb and Co. that he will be able to come down with it when it matters (14/17 in third down conversions).

It would be fair to say, if Maclin gets off to the kind of start Desean Jackson had last year, DJack continues to impress and Kevin Curtis can have a few more performance’s like that Detroit game with the retro’s on (Curtis finished the day with 11 catches for 221 yards and three touchdowns) that Jason will get lost in the mix and should be able to pull in some wide open bullets from McNabb.

Also, we always have the new contract rule.  In 2010 Jason Avant will be a free agent.  That means in 2009 every move that’s filmed of  him on the field will be considered when either: (a) the Eagles front office offers him a new contract or the more likely option (b) he is traded to a new team and gets his big payday. That will provide quite some motivation.

Avant will be entering his 4th year in the league. Traditionally this is where you either make the leap forward or you don’t.  It will be interesting to see going into training camp just how good his off-season was.  With all the speed Andy has put around him, the middle should be fertile ground for a slot guy like Avant.

(Article from www.thephillyeagles.com)