Eagles Season Preview: Offensive Line
Todd Herremans, Jamaal Jackson, Jason Peters, Winston Justice, Nick Cole, Mike McGlynn, Austin Howard, King Dunlap, Reggie Wells, Max Jean-Gillies
If the Eagles surprise people, this is the reason why.
This offensive line has been questioned for months now, feeling the heat ever since Dallas took it apart twice in two weeks to end the season. This offseason has done little to quell fears. The Eagles did not use any of their draft picks to address the offensive line. And there have been significant injury issues that have prevented the projected starters from working together in game action.
And by the way, the starting right guard just got traded to Seattle. Oh, and the starting center is eight-plus months removed from ACL surgery and hasn’t seen live action since.
Panicked yet?
The Eagles aren’t, for better or worse. They believe health is coming at the exact right time and that there are backups capable of filling any void adequately should Plan A go to hell.
Todd Herremans has said that there are more legit starters on this unit than there are spots on the line. Marty Mornhinweg believes this O-line can be one of the very best in the NFL. The public just doesn’t want them to get Kevin Kolb killed.
It boils down to the interior. As much as people groan at Jason Peters’ false starts and rail on Winston Justice for his play against Osi Umenyiora a few seasons back, the truth is that the tackles are currently the most stable part of the structure. It is to their inside that has been in flux. How Jamaal Jackson performs coming off ACL surgery is as big a key to this season as any. Herremans has been dealing with a nagging foot injury that has been around for over a year now, and Nick Cole saw very little action during training camp or in the preseason games because of a knee ailment. Now, they must work alongside one another in unison with a good Packers defense looking for young blood.
The Eagles do have a couple things going for them in this department. Offensive line coach Juan Castillo is a sensational coach, able to get the most out of every group he’s ever had. And in new acquisition Reggie Wells, along with emerging players like Mike McGlynn, there is some depth forming.
If you believe the Eagles, then everything will fall into place and this group will not be an issue. If you believe that, then you should expect to see this team in January.
Follow Tim McManus on Twitter (@Tim_McManus) and contact him at tmcmanus@phillysportsdaily.com.
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