Positiion Battle: Eagles starting OG

[Sascha]

The Eagles have always been known for their strong offensive line play, and this season doesn't look to be any different. Assuming Todd Herremans keeps his job in the starting lineup, and assuming his foot injury is indeed minor, who takes the other guard spot? It could be Stacy Andrews or Max Jean-Gilles, or it could be Greg Isdaner or the rookie Zipp Duncan.

Who wins that 2nd guard spot in Philly?

[|(evin|(olb|(ritik]

If you're looking at this from the outside, its a total crapshoot right now. From a personnel standpoint the RG position is semi-dependant on what happens at center. Starting center Jamaal Jackson is going to miss the entirety of training camp at the absolute minimum and possibly the start of the season after injuring his ACL late in the season last year. Backup guard Nick Cole filled in for him after his injury and was inconsistent ranging from terrible to serviceable. With more time to prepare many people think Cole will be fine with this move to center, he's currently taking reps as the starter at the position. Challenging him is Mike Mcglynn a 3rd year player with something to prove. If Mcglynn beats Cole out does Cole return to the guard position or become a backup at center? Cole was the primary backup at guard last season and started a bunch of games there after Andrews struggled getting over his injury, so logic would dictate that he'd be worthy of starting consideration.

Then you've got Stacey Andrews the guy who I think has the inside track here. The Eagles brought Andrews in last season with the intention of starting him at RG but he wasn't healthy. Supposedly he's healthy now and motivated to take the position by force, i'm skeptical but we'll see. Next on the list you've got Max Jean-Gilles who has been an inconsistent player during his 4 years in Philly. I don't know how long he can hang around as a backup, it may be do or die time for him. Max had the gastric band procedure done in the offseason to help him with weight control and word out of the workouts is that he's come in 30 lbs lighter and is continuing to lose weight. He says he feels alot better and that expects the results to show on the field. I've always liked Max as a prospect and I believe he has starter ability but he's gotta show that consistency.

I give the inside track to Stacey Andrews right now. I think if he's healthy and motivated that the is the most physically talented of the group followed by Max Jean-Gilles. Nick Cole is the most fundamentally sound of them all right now but at only 6-0 tall he's limited. He can be solid in pass protection and difficult to move but he struggles to dominate his opponent out in the run game.