By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 
When you think of the best wide receivers in the NFL in recent seasons, you don't think of the Philadelphia Eagles. A constant rotation of quarterbacks — up until the selection of Carson Wentz — and disappointing receiver performances in the past few seasons have made Philadelphia's offense look downright pathetic at times.
One player who got a big boost from the Eagles offseason acquisitions at the receiver position was Jordan Matthews. While you may not put an Eagles receiver in a top category among other receivers, Matthews has actually been one of the best receivers in the slot in the last three seasons.
Matthews has gained 2,389 yards from the slot in his three NFL seasons. In that timeframe, the next highest receiver in yardage from the slot is Packers receiver Randall Cobb at 2,269 yards. Dolphins receiver Jarvis Landry is third with 2,263 yards. Doug Baldwin (2,153 yards) and Larry Fitzgerald (1,602 yards) round out the top five, as listed by Pro Football Focus.
The struggles of Eagles receivers in recent years has fallen heavily on Matthews. For one, Matthews started his career with a solid rookie season. By his second season, Matthews was the focal point of the receiver group, the de facto No. 1. Playing under Chip Kelly, whose hurry-up offense allowed for astronomical offensive numbers, also aided in Matthews' success.
Truth is, Matthews isn't a true No. 1 receiver and was always better suited for the slot. When the Eagles added Alshon Jeffery, they acquired the No. 1 receiver they were desperately needing and took some of the weight off Matthews' shoulders so he can play more exclusively in the slot.
If Jeffery is supposed to have the capability to open up the field for the rest of the Eagles receivers, having Torrey Smith on the outside as a No. 2 and Matthews in the slot should only improve the offensive potential.
Matthews ultimately didn't benefit from having to be the go-to guy, especially for a rookie quarterback. With some added help for Wentz among the receiver core, Matthews can benefit as well.
Matthews has dealt with a lot of his career, among them lofty expectations as a No. 1 receiver and trade rumors. That could all disappear if the Eagles offense fires on all cylinders with Jeffery, Smith and Matthews primarily in the slot.
