i love this guys breakdowns!!
and he's right about them setting up massive holes for BWEST to move !!!! say what u want about the o-line, yeah i remember when they forgot to get on the bus a few times for some games, but for the most part they have done the job.....
The Philadelphia Eagles have emphasized both sides of the line of scrimmage as key points in the Andy Reid era. The Eagles have spent 13 draft picks since 2000 on offensive lineman. Looking at the selections the picks have developed two starters in Shawn Andrews and Todd Herremans. The Eagles have also spent countless picks on players who never developed into solid NFL players like Trey Darilek, Bobbie Williams, Adrian Clarke, John Frank among others. Going back to 1998 you'll also find current tackle William "Tra" Thomas and Jamaal Jackson was an undrafted free agent. Jon Runyan is the only starter not developed through the draft in the Eagles system. Current projects like Winston Justice and Max-Jean Gilles are both too early in their career to pass judgment. I guess what we can take away from this is the Eagles have struck gold with some picks, but it is tough to find quality linemen in the league. It's a hit or miss proposition but the Eagles busts have been in the later rounds so to that effect things have worked out well. Now to take a look at the Eagles O-line.
The offensive line set up massive holes for both Buck and Westbrook to run through on a historic rushing season for the Birds but was at times depleted by injury and vulnerable in pass protection. Were the problems a result of injuries creating a lack of continuity or a greater problem that needs to be addressed?
Tackles:
The Eagles offensive tackle position has been settled in by long-time rocks Jon Runyan and the artist formely known as Tra Thomas, the duo has been teaming up to bookend the line since Runyan's signing in 2000. The duo has been phenomenal in protecting Donovan and his backup for most of their career but recent years is seeing age catch up to the ends. Runyan (34) and Thomas (33) have a lot of miles on their tires and injuries are taking their toll on the duo. Recent years with the picks of Shawn Andrews, Winston Justice, and Max-Jean Gilles are starting to prepare for the post Runyan-Tra era.
Winston Justice was coveted by fans and draft experts as a steal when drafted in the second round by Philadelphia. Projected that year to be a possible top ten pick character issues had Winston fall down the board. Winston's defining moment to date was Osi Umenyiora's destruction of him on a Sunday night game earlier this season. Many fans were calling Winston a bust immediately after the game and while it certainly didn't help, judging a 2nd year player by a game against the league's premiere young pass-rusher isn't fair. The Eagles hung poor Winston out to dry all game long refusing to get blocking help from a tight end or running back. The jury is still out on Winston.
Guards:
The Eagles may be old and near the time to reload at tackle but the Eagles have struck gold with solid guards for years to come. Pro-Bowler Shawn Andrews (25) is now the anchor on the line. Former Division 2 standout from Saginaw Valley State Todd Herremans (25) has been a reliable member of the line now since his drafting.
Max Jean Gilles showed promise when getting playing time and could possibly insert himself into the starting lineup when Runyan/Thomas move on with Andrews or Herremans moving outside. Former BYU standout Scott Young is the other backup on the depth chart and has been around for three seasons. While not getting much playing time he has stuck around for a few years beating out many challengers in training camp. I can't say I see any potential for starting down the line and Young is probably a career backup.
Centers:
The Eagles let go of fan favorite Hank "Jiggles" Fraley two seasons ago in a trade to make room for current starter Jamaal Jackson. Jackson has impressed management so much he got a seven year contract extension and will be the center for years to come. Jackson doesn't get the spotlight the other members of the line do but he has been an improvement on the center position that was mediocre before him. Maybe most importantly with the fellow members of the line all missing playing time Jackson played a full 16 games and provided some continuity on the line.
Backup Nick Cole played in all games, sometimes on special teams or even blocking in goal line situations. I can't say anything about his potential to be a solid backup if Jackson goes down but the fact the Eagles allowed him to block in the goal line show he is doing enough to stick around.
Wrap: The 2008 season should be a productive one from the offensive line if they can be a healthier unit than last season. The concern is not for the upcoming season but in the near future a changing of the guard will occur at the tackle spot. Will Herremans or Andrews move outside making room for promising young guard Gilles? While it may not be a popular move, a first day pick on a lineman is not out of the question.
Original Story:
http://mvn.com:80/nfl-eagles/2008/02/24/....
and he's right about them setting up massive holes for BWEST to move !!!! say what u want about the o-line, yeah i remember when they forgot to get on the bus a few times for some games, but for the most part they have done the job.....
The Philadelphia Eagles have emphasized both sides of the line of scrimmage as key points in the Andy Reid era. The Eagles have spent 13 draft picks since 2000 on offensive lineman. Looking at the selections the picks have developed two starters in Shawn Andrews and Todd Herremans. The Eagles have also spent countless picks on players who never developed into solid NFL players like Trey Darilek, Bobbie Williams, Adrian Clarke, John Frank among others. Going back to 1998 you'll also find current tackle William "Tra" Thomas and Jamaal Jackson was an undrafted free agent. Jon Runyan is the only starter not developed through the draft in the Eagles system. Current projects like Winston Justice and Max-Jean Gilles are both too early in their career to pass judgment. I guess what we can take away from this is the Eagles have struck gold with some picks, but it is tough to find quality linemen in the league. It's a hit or miss proposition but the Eagles busts have been in the later rounds so to that effect things have worked out well. Now to take a look at the Eagles O-line.
The offensive line set up massive holes for both Buck and Westbrook to run through on a historic rushing season for the Birds but was at times depleted by injury and vulnerable in pass protection. Were the problems a result of injuries creating a lack of continuity or a greater problem that needs to be addressed?
Tackles:
The Eagles offensive tackle position has been settled in by long-time rocks Jon Runyan and the artist formely known as Tra Thomas, the duo has been teaming up to bookend the line since Runyan's signing in 2000. The duo has been phenomenal in protecting Donovan and his backup for most of their career but recent years is seeing age catch up to the ends. Runyan (34) and Thomas (33) have a lot of miles on their tires and injuries are taking their toll on the duo. Recent years with the picks of Shawn Andrews, Winston Justice, and Max-Jean Gilles are starting to prepare for the post Runyan-Tra era.
Winston Justice was coveted by fans and draft experts as a steal when drafted in the second round by Philadelphia. Projected that year to be a possible top ten pick character issues had Winston fall down the board. Winston's defining moment to date was Osi Umenyiora's destruction of him on a Sunday night game earlier this season. Many fans were calling Winston a bust immediately after the game and while it certainly didn't help, judging a 2nd year player by a game against the league's premiere young pass-rusher isn't fair. The Eagles hung poor Winston out to dry all game long refusing to get blocking help from a tight end or running back. The jury is still out on Winston.
Guards:
The Eagles may be old and near the time to reload at tackle but the Eagles have struck gold with solid guards for years to come. Pro-Bowler Shawn Andrews (25) is now the anchor on the line. Former Division 2 standout from Saginaw Valley State Todd Herremans (25) has been a reliable member of the line now since his drafting.
Max Jean Gilles showed promise when getting playing time and could possibly insert himself into the starting lineup when Runyan/Thomas move on with Andrews or Herremans moving outside. Former BYU standout Scott Young is the other backup on the depth chart and has been around for three seasons. While not getting much playing time he has stuck around for a few years beating out many challengers in training camp. I can't say I see any potential for starting down the line and Young is probably a career backup.
Centers:
The Eagles let go of fan favorite Hank "Jiggles" Fraley two seasons ago in a trade to make room for current starter Jamaal Jackson. Jackson has impressed management so much he got a seven year contract extension and will be the center for years to come. Jackson doesn't get the spotlight the other members of the line do but he has been an improvement on the center position that was mediocre before him. Maybe most importantly with the fellow members of the line all missing playing time Jackson played a full 16 games and provided some continuity on the line.
Backup Nick Cole played in all games, sometimes on special teams or even blocking in goal line situations. I can't say anything about his potential to be a solid backup if Jackson goes down but the fact the Eagles allowed him to block in the goal line show he is doing enough to stick around.
Wrap: The 2008 season should be a productive one from the offensive line if they can be a healthier unit than last season. The concern is not for the upcoming season but in the near future a changing of the guard will occur at the tackle spot. Will Herremans or Andrews move outside making room for promising young guard Gilles? While it may not be a popular move, a first day pick on a lineman is not out of the question.
Original Story:
http://mvn.com:80/nfl-eagles/2008/02/24/....
