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Kelly on getting Curry with the starters: It was a big thing

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Vinny Curry has been arguably the Eagles' most consistent pass rusher this preseason, and yet, he has spent most of his time with the second team defense.

That changed on Friday night when the defensive end was awarded some snaps with the starters. The Eagles have been reluctant to play Curry more because he is still adjusting to playing two-gap football on run downs.

But he had opportunities against the Patriots. As for more playing time moving forward, that will depend on the film.

"He had [more playing time] tonight, so we'll evaluate that," Eagles Chip Kelly said. "That was a big thing for us. We wanted to get Vinny in with the ones and see how productive he could be. We'll go back as a staff and look at the tape and see how productive he is."

Curry seemed to be one of the few defenders up front to get pressure on the quarterback. The Eagles pass rush has been negligent in the preseason and Kelly said that was one of the primary reasons the defense has struggled on third down.

"We need to generate a better pass rush," Kelly said. "I think our defensive line needs to do a better job in terms of what their rush contains are."

Curry didn't record a sack, but got into the backfield on several occasions. He was credited with only one tackle on the stat sheet, but he was productive against the run, too, once shooting into the backfield and tripping up a ball carrier.

"When you're a baller, you're a baller," Curry said. "All that stuff makes no sense. I just try to do my job and just try to make plays and put my team in position the best way I can."

There has been speculation that the Eagles may be shopping Curry to a team with a 4-3 scheme up front. He was drafted as a 4-3 end. But the Eagles are unlikely to unload arguably their best pass rusher when they did little to address it in the offseason.

Curry said he wasn't worried about trade talk or if other teams may be looking at him.

"No matter who sees the scrimmage … every time you step on the field you want to give it your all," he said.