The Philadelphia Eagles have managed to win their first three games. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t areas for improvement. An offense that hasn’t looked explosive and a defense that has had disciplinary issues are things that have made the Eagles’ 3-0 start more difficult than it needed to be. But Philadelphia also needs to figure out their special teams, specifically in the return game.
With an average of 15.6 yards per kick return and just one punt return on the season, the Eagles would probably like some help flipping the field. On Monday, the Eagles made a move to hint that a shakeup is on the way as NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Eagles have claimed wide receiver Xavier Gipson off waivers from the New York Giants.
Eagles Claim WR Xavier Gipson to Help in Return Game
On the surface, Gipson looks like a logical replacement for Darius Cooper, who NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Dave Zangaro pointed out suffered a shoulder injury in the win over the Rams. But Zangaro also noted that Gipson has a history of returning kicks and punts, logging 112 combined returns during his three seasons in the league.
Gipson’s success on those returns is debatable. The Stephen F. Austin product has averaged 8.9 yards with a touchdown on 68 career punt returns during his career and he’s logged 26 yards on 44 kickoff returns including 28.4 yards on five returns this season. But there are also moments he’d like to forget including a moment with the New York Jets in Week 1 where a fourth-quarter fumble on a kickoff resulted in his release.
The Giants tried to get something out of Gipson after claiming him off waivers but he never saw the field before being waived on Sept. 20 before being signed by the Eagles. A path like that doesn’t scream impact player, but the Eagles’ bar is low after the first three weeks.
John Metchie hasn’t had great success as the Eagles primary kick returner with an average of 17.1 yards on seven returns. Jahan Dotson has a 14-yard return to his resume but it’s the only punt return the Eagles have had this season.
The Eagles may be 3-0 but good teams are always looking for ways to get better. If Gipson can reel in some of his mistakes, he could be an upgrade in the return game and provide an unexpected impact whenever he makes his debut.