How will the remade Eagles offensive line play?

[Chris Raiden]

For argument's sake, simple question, how will the new Philadelphia Eagles line play compared to last year's line?

In are Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews, gone are William Thomas and Jon Runyan, and on the move (as much as is possible for the guy his size) is Shawn Andrews to right tackle, while his brother Stacy replaces him at guard. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Will it be better protection for Donovan McNabb and more running room for Brian Westbrook and rookie backup LeSean McCoy, or worse?

[|(evin|(olb|(ritik]

Should I? That seems to be the question. Consider this EP day, its like a special holiday just for you.

I'm extremely excited about the line this year. Of course I've always been excited about the line, its not like PHilly has fielded a bad offensive line in the Andy Reid era. Last years line, while aged in places, was still one of the most effective units in the NFL.

FYI, your alignment is correct. Shawn Andrews slips out to RT, his brother Stacey at RG. Jamaal Jackson remains at center with Herremans at LG and newly acquired Jason Peters at LT.

Quick note: Jon Runyan isn't necessarily out. He wants to play in 2009, is currently unsigned, but is waiting on Philly. I don't know what role if any that he'd fill with this team but he's not officially out. Injury insurance maybe?

Now for the conjecture......

This line could change a bit. Jamaal Jackson, who got off to a quick start as an UDFA with this team and unseated veteran Hank Fraley to take a starting position has slowed down in his development. The guy needs to step it up a notch especially in the run game. He holds up fine in pass protection against the larger nose tackles (which was the knock on his predecessor) but for a guy his size he doesn't do enough road grading in the run game. If he improves that he'll be a mainstay for years to come. If not the team could look for a replacement in the future although its not a dire need.

Todd Herremans is going to see some stiff competition for his job this season from Max Jean-Gilles. Jean-Gilles was slated to compete with Herremans for the starting LG job last season and many favored him to win it but the absence of Shawn Andrews thrust Jean-Gilles into action at RG where he played very well until eventually getting injured himself. I don't know if Herremans can stave him off this year, we'll see.

Andy Reid called Jason Peters the best left tackle in football. I don't know how I feel about that. I do know that alot of Buffalo fans would disagree there but that doesn't necessarily make it untrue. The guy was clearly unhappy there and some unfortunate things occured afterward. Based on his level of play last year in the unhappy year he's definately not the best. Based on the level of play that we know he's capable of he's certainly worthy of consideration in the argument so there is alot to be excited about here.

Stacey Andrews should be a monster at RG. If brother Shawn bombs at RT, (which I don't expect since he was projected to play tackle when he came into the league and the team has been grooming him for this switch for years) then it seems like a relatively simple solution to slide Stacey outside where he has proven to be effective and move Shawn back inside where he is debateably the best RG in the league. Thats what we call a win/win situation or a can't lose.

Any way you look at it this line is stacked. There is also a considerable amount of depth and developmental youth here due to Andy's philosophy of drafting line-heavy. Its a make or break training camp for Winston Justice who I don't expect to make the team at this point, but aside from him the team has draft picks invested in young prospects like Mike Mcglynn T (2nd year Pitt), Mike Gibson G (2nd year Cal), King Dunlap LT (2nd year Auburn), Fenuki Tupou T (1st year Oregon), Paul Fanaika G (1st year Arizona State).

Reids system is proven, effective, and in full swing. Throw in an upgrade at FB with Leonard Weaver and the level of effective blocking this team fields in both the pass and run game should be incredible this year.

[Texecutioner]

I don't have hardly anything to add because I agree with pretty much everything Phil said here. I expect their O line to be very good next season and I think Runyan still has a little left in the tank and could be great insurance and also a guy to go in there for a play or two here and there when guys get tired.

I think Philly's offense is going to be really really good in general. People have been talking about the new draft picks and all, but a lot of people are forgetting about having a healthy Kevin Curtis back as well.