Eagles' Curry in a rush to prove himself

WHEN THE Eagles selected Vinny Curry in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft, the defensive end from Marshall was excited to join the team he had grown up cheering for. Now a year later, Curry finds himself fighting for time on the crowded Eagles' defensive line.

Curry saw his first action of the season in the Eagles' 26-16 loss to the Chiefs in Week 3. Despite limited action, Curry recorded his first sack as an Eagle when he brought down Alex Smith for a 6-yard loss.

"Vinny had a good day," defensive coordinator Bill Davis said. "He's a good pass-rusher. He is getting better at the two-gap stuff. We're excited about Vinny. Each week different things go into it. He had a nice game."

"I mean, it was cool and it felt all right, but I just want to keep it up and I need to continue to put in the work," Curry said of his first sack.

But Curry is unsure when his next sack or tackle may come. Curry was told Wednesday that he will be active for tomorrow's game at Denver, but was still unsure as to how much he would play against Peyton Manning and the Broncos.

For the first 2 weeks, Curry was listed as inactive, leaving family and friends wondering why he hadn't gotten his chance. Although Curry said he kept working hard during practices, he too began to feel the pressure of waiting for the first opportunity of his second season.

"Of course there was pressure and they definitely wanted to know, but they understand that it's not in my control and that I can only control what I can control, so I am going to keep working hard every day and keep grinding," Curry said. "I don't think they were as much doubting me as much as they were curious."

Moving forward, Curry said he would be grateful for any opportunity he is given to play, regardless of the opponent. Although he entered this season expecting to be a starter,coming off the sidelines against the Chiefs did not bother him.

"I definitely wasn't upset," Curry said. "The only time I'm ever upset is after a loss, but I definitely wasn't upset at all about not starting."

Many in Philadelphia see Curry as starting defensive end with sky-high potential. Curry had 26 sacks, 49 tackles for losses and 10 forced fumbles during his 4-year collegiate career and Eagles defensive end Cedric Thornton believes that success will soon carry over to the NFL.

"Vinny Curry is a talented pass rusher and is a guy that is learning the new system, like I am," Thornton said. "He is a great guy and a modest guy, and he brings a different motor to the game. On game days, he brings a high intensity and he plays with a never-stop mentality and that is why I like him."

As a rookielast year, Curry did not start a game but played in six contests. After nine tackles (seven solo), Curry entered this season expecting to be a starter in the Eagles' new 3-4 defensive scheme under Davis.

Unfortunately for Curry, there has not been much room on the crowded defensive line. Although Curry is an interchangeable player who played in the defensive-line rotation last year, he currently sits behind 2012 first-round pick Fletcher Cox on the right defensive- end depth chart.

"I just got to keep doing what I'm doing, but the coaches had a good game plan for me last week and right now, I'm just following their lead," Curry said. "I come to work every day with my hard hat on and I'm just ready to be part of something special."

If his role remains the same this season, Curry said he won't be bitter - he'll stay hungry. While Curry would not comment on whether he believes he should be playing more, he understands Davis and the coaching staff is only trying to do what is best for the team.

"That's not my call, but our coaches' call, and they are doing what they know what is best for our team right now," Thornton said when asked if Curry should be playing more. "I think in due time, if he gives it his hardest and he is patient, it will pay off."

Veteran linebacker Trent Cole has provided Curry with helpful advice but told him it's most important to remain ready. Until Curry earns his chance to show off his skills as a starter, patience is the key for the 25-year-old defensive end.

"I told him he needs to stay humble and his time will eventually come," Cole said. "When his day comes and his opportunity comes, he just has to be ready to play and that's what it's all about."

Eagles safety Patrick Chung again did not practice and is listed as "doubtful" for tomorrow. He is not expected to play . . . Broncos corner Champ Bailey practiced on a limited basis all week and is listed as "questionable" . . . NFL Network reported Eagles kicker Alex Henery was fined $15,750 for his horse-collar tackle in the Kansas City game.