The offensive line has always been something that Andy Reid has focused on. In his mind, games are won and lost in the trenches, and the more battles you win inside, the greater chance you have of winning games. Since Andy Reid became coach/GM in 1999, he has drafted 18 offensive lineman including Shawn Andrews, and Winston Justice. With the departure of Jon Runyan and William "Tra" Thomas last year, the Eagles offensive line struggled greatly. Shawn Andrews injury also hurt the Eagles offensive line and it showed especially at the end of the season against the Cowboys. This season, the key to the Eagles success depends largely on whether or not the offensive line can stay healthy throughout the course of the season. The Eagles definitely have a lot of talented offensive lineman, here are a few.
Jason Peters: Starting at Left Tackle is second year Eagle Jason Peters. The Eagles acquired Peters via free agency last off season. Peters filled in nicely as William "Tra" Thomas's replacement, and I really like him as part of this offensive line. I expect him to have another solid year and contribute to this offense.
Todd Herremans: Herremans is the project starter at Left Guard this year heading into training camp. Herremans has been a starter since 2006, and he is another part of this offensive line that Im not worried about. Herremans is a great player and he and Peters make up a strong left side. It's the center and right side that have me worried.
Nick Cole: With Jamaal Jackson out with a torn ACL, Nick Cole will be the starter at center. Naturally, Cole is a guard so its up in the air as to whether he will be effective at center. Clearly he was ineffective last year in the last 2 games against Dalllas. Remember, Jamaal Jackson got hurt in the second to last game of the regular season last year against Denver. Nick Cole shifted from the guard spot to center to replace Jackson in both games against Dallas. The big question is can the Eagles be effective with Cole at center? And if Jackson comes back will he be able to come back fully healthy? I think the biggest question mark surrounding this Eagles offensive line has to be at the center position. Whether or not the Eagles can win without Jackson at center remains to be seen.
Stacy Andrews: Andrews is the projected starter at left guard this season. Andrews did not start a lot last season, but he is going to be called upon to step it up this season. Andrews had some great seasons with the Bengals, and he is an important part of this offensive line. If he doesn't perform, his back up, Max Jean-Gilles can step in and log minutes. I like Andrews a lot better though, because he definitely has more talent and potential.
Winston Justice: Starting at right tackle this season is Winston Justice. Forget about his game against the Giants in 2007 when he allowed 4 sacks, that is in the past. Justice has developed into a very nice young player with a lot of potential, and when healthy, has the stuff to be a pro-bowler.
The key to the success of the Eagles offensive line is staying healthy. You saw what happened last year when they got hit by injuries, the whole offense collapsed. Although this offensive line doesn't even compare to the other groups during the Andy Reid era, it is still a very good group. Just stay healthy and everything will be fine.
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