Jason Avant: The Philadelphia Eagles' Slot Machine

The slot receiver isn't your typical big star.

He doesn't enjoy the open field and he grinds with linebackers and safeties who are looking to take his head off every play. The position is unforgiving, and it takes courage, intelligence, and a tremendous sense for the game of football. The middle of the field is his battleground, where he cannot enjoy big plays as often as star receivers who enjoy the freedom of playing on the outside.

And few play this position in the NFL better than Jason Avant.

Avant may not be in the spotlight with DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, but he is a prized possession on this football team.

I won't say he is Philadelphia's best route runner, because Jackson is one of the best in the entire NFL at running his routes effectively.

I will say that Avant is our toughest receiver, and the most courageous for battling with the big boys through the middle of the field.

He also has the second best hands on the team, behind Brent Celek, who plays like a Spartan at the tight end position.

Many people are going to have their eyes on Jackson and Maclin, but I will be watching the man himself—Avant.

I can't begin to tell you how important it was that the Philadelphia Eagles signed Jason Avant to a five year deal, because he is going to be a very special player in the NFL.

As NFL's players get bigger, faster, and stronger, quarterbacks have less time to sit back and survey the field.

That is why the slot receiver is becoming one of the growing favorite targets for quarterbacks today.

Tom Brady to Wes Welker has become a familiar combination in the NFL, and almost an unstoppable one. It is also proof of the growing importance of the slot receiver.

I think that Avant will give Kevin Kolb that type of consistency in the coming years, as he is an expert at finding openings through the middle of the field quickly. There is a modern importance of getting open immediately, and Avant is up there with the best in the league in terms of that ability.

Avant set career highs in receptions and receiving yards last year, laying the foundation for him to improve even more this year. Kevin Kolb is the type of quarterback who thrives in a quick pass offense, and Avant will be a perfect target with his premier route running skills.

Avant amassed 156 yards in one game against the San Diego Chargers last year, proving that he has the ability to be an impact player for the Philadelphia Eagles. As I said before, he has unbelievable hands and the intelligence to play the slot receiver position as it should be played, with courage and tenacity.

Jason Avant has become a slot machine for the Philadelphia Eagles and an essential part of the offense.

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