Eagles land Arrelious Benn, Bolster Special Teams

The Eagles' Howie Roseman and Tom Gamble are at it again, and Chip Kelly adds yet another stellar special teams player to the mix. The Philadelphia Eagles traded a 6th round pick in this year's NFL Draft, and a future conditional pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for WR Arrelious Benn and a 7th round pick in this year's draft.



The Eagles have been infamous for having poor special teams coverage and blocking during the last few seasons, and it has become one of the priorities this off season. After adding Jason Phillips, James Casey, and Cary Williams (who all play special teams) to a re-signed Colt Anderson; the Eagles land Benn, who is known for being a fantastic special teamer. Benn had 6 solo tackles on special teams last year in 8 games prior to getting hurt (as per TeamRankings.com). With .75 solo tackles per game on special teams, Benn is among the NFL leaders in that category. Adding this to Jason Phillips who had 13 total special teams tackles last year, the Eagles special teams should be drastically improved for next year. For Chip Kelly especially, field position is a key element, as his offense is based on quickness and spreading the field.

Special teams is an integral part of the game, yet it seems to be overlooked. Look at the San Francisco 49ers the last two years. If they prevent Jacoby Jones from returning a kickoff for a touchdown and Kyle Williams does not fumble, the 49ers could have possibly won the last two Super Bowls! Football is a three dimensional game, offense, defense AND special teams, and it is time the Eagles paid attention to that.

By Josh Collacchi (@JCollacchi)