Eagles Turn to Xavier Gipson in Hopes of Revitalizing Return Game
The Philadelphia Eagles are seeking to rejuvenate their struggling return game with the addition of wide receiver Xavier Gipson. The team recently claimed Gipson off waivers, and his explosive speed could be just what they need following a lackluster performance in their last outing.
A Memorable Day for Special Teams
Any time a blocked field goal is returned for a touchdown by a 330-pound defensive tackle turned part-time sprinter, it’s a moment to savor for an NFL special teams coordinator. Such was the case for Michael Clay, who had plenty of reasons to celebrate following the Eagles’ thrilling 33-26 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
Yet, amid the excitement, Clay couldn’t escape the scrutiny of the Eagles’ ongoing challenges in the kick return department. Against the Rams, return specialists Tank Bigsby and John Metchie struggled to handle the unconventional kicks from Joshua Karty, who employed a knuckleball technique that left both players baffled. The duo managed a mere 55 yards on five returns, consistently placing the Eagles’ offense in unfavorable field positions.
“Kudos to Karty,” Clay acknowledged. “We had a sense obviously in the first two games watching him against Tennessee and Houston that he had that knuckleball, and we were trying to replicate it as much as we possibly could throughout the week.”
Gipson’s Arrival Brings New Hope
The timing of Gipson’s waiver claim is particularly notable, especially after the Eagles’ recent struggles. Clay praised general manager Howie Roseman for his commitment to identifying talent, saying, “Xavier coming out of Stephen F. Austin, we really liked in terms of his explosiveness in both kickoff return and punt return, and he has breakaway speed right there, and he showed that early on in his rookie year.”
Unlike Bigsby and Metchie, who have been thrust into the return roles due to injuries to Will Shipley and Ben VanSumeren, Gipson is a natural returner. Shipley is expected to return to the main return role against Tampa Bay in Week 4, but Gipson’s versatility in handling both kickoffs and punts could make him a valuable asset.
While Gipson has been released by both the Jets and Giants in recent days, he possesses a dynamic skill set that could elevate the Eagles’ return game. His previous performances, including a notable walk-off against Buffalo, speak to his potential.
A Clean Slate for Gipson
Clay emphasized the importance of starting fresh with Gipson, recognizing that the young player has faced challenges with ball security in the past. “For myself, every guy has a clean slate,” he explained. “We all know what there are some deficiencies with, not deficiencies, but for myself as a clean slate to get him acclimated, how we do things around here with the fundamentals of ball carry, security, things of that nature.”
Clay’s admiration for Gipson’s abilities is clear. “I’ve always admired Xavier in his first two years in the NFL. His tape at SFA is really good,” he remarked, underscoring the potential he sees in the new addition.
As the Eagles prepare for their next matchup, all eyes will be on Gipson to see if he can inject some much-needed electricity into a return game that has struggled to find its footing. With fresh opportunities ahead, the Eagles may have finally found the spark they need.
