Philadelphia Eagles WR Damaris Johnson a Perfect Fit at Slot Receiver in Chip Kelly’s Offense


Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

When the Philadelphia Eagles’ organization lured head coach Chip Kelly away from the college ranks and into their grips following the team’s 2011-2012 collapse, Philly fans knew that their ‘Bird-gang’ would also be adopting Kelly’s mile-a-minute, high-octane spread offense.

Well, the ultimate keys to Kelly’s innovative spread system are exceptional speed and acceleration, as well as overall athletic superiority. The Birds currently house elite talents in both RB LeSean McCoy and WR DeSean Jackson, both former All-Pros, but there is one offensive weapon on the Eagles’ roster that has been continuously overlooked throughout the 2013 off-season.

And that’s Eagles second-year wide receiver/return-man Damaris Johnson, the NCAA record-breaking young speedster out of the University of Tulsa.

Even though Johnson was unable to do much during his 2012 rookie season, he did not really get a fair shot at succeeding after being thrust into the Eagles’ complete organizational breakdown. Johnson was also buried on the depth chart last season behind Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant and Riley Cooper.

But with Maclin gone for the year with a torn ACL, and Cooper’s future in Philly highly in question following the fall-out behind his use of a racial slur, a massive window has opened for Johnson to shine in Kelly’s offense. Johnson is a perfect fit at slot receiver in Chip’s spread look, as he harnesses some of the most explosive all-around speed in the entire NFL, let alone the Eagles’ roster.

Eagles WR Arrelious Benn, who was recently acquired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is currently injured as well, giving Johnson an even better shot at cementing himself in the Bird’s starting unit.

I think that Kelly will quickly realize Johnson’s incredible potential, and will make sure to utilize the young burner in a multitude of ways.

 

Follow Joe on Twitter @EaglesSunday, or here on Google+, for all Philadelphia Eagles/NFL insight. Click here to view Joe’s 200+ article portfolio for Rant Sports.



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