Your New RT is…

57 Comments on “Your New RT is…”

1. 
   1 Julz787 said at 2:38 PM on August 27th, 2011:

   Really? I only have a problem that if u gonna have a rookie next to herremans, and a solid (but new) type player next to peters… Do u really wanna go with a rookie center?? I dont feel safe and i know neither does vick or mccoy feel good about it

2. 
   2 nicolajNN said at 2:39 PM on August 27th, 2011:

   I read stories about Herremans kind of being Wakins’ mentor during the lockout, will having them play next to each other help, other than Herremans being more talented than King?

   How much of the starting OL do you think will see playing time VS Jets?

   Are you comfortable with Kelce starting VS Rams?

3. 
   3 Name Is jeff said at 2:41 PM on August 27th, 2011:

   I love this move. Todd will be a great tackle. Giving him two weeks to practice is a smart move to shake the rust. I think Winston goes to pup, wells and dunlap are you backup tackles, JJ makes the team as backup center/guard ( if Kelce gets hurt they need someone who can play center immediately. JJ is great insurance), I think they will also look at the cuts of other teams for a veteran guard for a backup. Mcglynn could net a late round pick from a run heavy team Vanvelde and Howard go to the practice squad. Not sure if they keep Harris around or give him and injury settlement and part ways.

4. 
   4 Sjampen said at 2:43 PM on August 27th, 2011:

   I understand that stability and continuos relationships help the line, but i love the move. Get your best players on the field.

5. 
   5 Tommy Lawlor said at 2:45 PM on August 27th, 2011:

   I don’t think the OL will play vs the Jets. I’d be okay with doing that for a series or two, but I get the feeling it won’t happen.

   Kelce is Mudd’s guy. I’m willing to trust Howard. If Kelce really struggles in real games, that changes things.

6. 
   6 iskar36 said at 2:51 PM on August 27th, 2011:

   Tommy, I would love to hear you talk a little more about Kelce vs. Jackson. I understand that Kelce is a better fit in terms of scheme for Mudd’s system, but I’m not sure he has actually outplayed Jackson. I’m not saying I disagree with the move of starting Kelce over Jackson, but I’m more curious to hear about how you think the two compare from a talent standpoint and then from a fit standpoint. In other words, does Kelce’s fit outweigh Jackson’s experience? Also as an additional point, if they do cut Jackson, doesn’t that leave us very thin at center, especially with McGlynn likely being cut as well?

   I understand that if Kelce fits better with what Mudd wants to do, as a coach you want to give him the best shot to succeed with the hopes that talent wise, he also can progress enough to succeed.

7. 
   7 Name is jeff said at 3:21 PM on August 27th, 2011:

   I would love to hear your thoughts too on Kelce vs Jackson. I don’t care if Jackson isn’t a “mudd” boy. There was some obvious communication errors against the browns. JJax makes those calls and Watkins makes the right block. I agree Kelce could be special, but to hand the keys to a sixth roud pick is scary. JJax will make the 53 as a backup for that reason.

8. 
   8 penn7980 said at 3:22 PM on August 27th, 2011:

   Moving Todd to RT solves the RT situation for now. He should be fine with practice. Look at it another way, you can’t find a new RT from outside who can come in and contribute right away. Todd is the best option at this particular time. RT is the blind side of Vick, which adds more importance to this move.

   The argument against the move is to break up an established link of LG and LT. Mathis is a vet and he played LG in the pre-season and did OK. Give them time in practice and games, they should be fine. Exactly the same way how Todd became familiar with Peters.

   Re Kelce and JJ, Kelce is clearly Mudd’s choice and the future. He has to adjust to NFL and learn Mudd’s system. The inexperience factor is holding him back. JJ is experienced and can handle the line call better than Kelce. He lacks the physical elements to play Mudd’s style.

   They are giving Kelce all the snaps to get him experience, much like what they did with Mathews at MIKE. If Kelce learns fast and is deemed sufficient, they will start him in regular season. Otherwise, start JJ and let Kelce learns on the sideline and takes over after a few games.

9. 
   9 Tommy Lawlor said at 3:27 PM on August 27th, 2011:

   RE: COMMENTS

   The spam filter is still catching too many comments. I approve them as fast as I can. Sorry about the situation.

10. 
    10 Tommy Lawlor said at 3:28 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    RE: Kelce vs JamJax

    I will devote a column to this issue. Jamaal is the better player right now, but that’s not the only question. Complicated situation.

11. 
    11 Cliff said at 3:36 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    I’m really interested in how Maclin and Smith look over the next two weeks. This Herremans and Mathis move better work out because if Vick has time to throw the ball: we’ve got a LOT of options.

12. 
    12 Ant said at 3:46 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    Tommy are you friends with winston justice or something?? That guy is as good as gone. He stinks even when healthy. I never got why you liked him, at his very best he was average.

13. 
    13 Nick said at 3:46 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    Why not start JJax at LG? That way you have his experience next to Kelce to help him see things. Is there a reason why Mathis projects as a better guard than JJax, apart from just that Mathis has played G before?

14. 
    14 kyle said at 3:46 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    Slightly weaken one side to greatly improve the other side.

    I like this alot. Wasnt a fan when we were talking about it. But now that it has happened, and im really thinking about it I like it.

    Running to our left side was great, i just hope that can continue.

15. 
    15 Alex K said at 4:05 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    I really like this move. You have to think that Herremans will be very motivated to get the chance to play tackle and protect Vick’s blind side. This also helps Watkins immensely. I think Kelce may still struggle early on in the season, but having Jackson as a backup puts me at ease. I hope they don’t try to trade him!

16. 
    16 Alex K said at 4:06 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    Comments still a little wonky?

17. 
    17 PhillyfanCharlotte said at 4:10 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    Evan Mathis is a solid LG..we should be fine

18. 
    18 JVB said at 4:16 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    Makes no sense to start Kelce. Jackson is a MUCH better player.

19. 
    19 mcud said at 4:29 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    Finally. Should have been done as soon as Harris’ back flared up. Todd wanted this. He deserves a shot. And, RT is about 5 times more important than LG, especially when your QB is a southpaw.

    As for C, I think starting Kelce is a recipe for disaster. Jamaal is better. I thought we were going “all in”. Let JJ stay at C.

20. 
    20 KillaKadafi said at 4:53 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    Looking at that interior, all I can say is that Vick will be on IR by week 6.

    This team has so many issues with it’s foundation that it is not funny.

21. 
    21 Tracer Bullet said at 5:43 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    Jamaal is the better player right now, but that’s not the only question.

    I disagree. That IS the only question. Kelce may be the long-term answer, but Jackson is simply the better player right now. It wouldn’t bother me so much, but they’re also starting a rookie RG. Teams in “win now” mode don’t start two rookies on the OL, especially with a better option on the bench.

22. 
    22 Max said at 6:30 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    Tommy – when Mudd coached the OL in Indy – Peyton got rid of the ball quick – especially with a lot of short routes and a lot of runs called too – by the time any DE got to Peyton the ball would be out – (quite a few times you see Vick holding to the ball waiting on the big play) our system more depends on Reid being in love with the big play – I really wonder if Reid and Mudd will mesh – now if Reid n Marty change their approach and call a few runs and few short quick passes- I would imagine that would help Vick out – especially with teams deciding to blitz the heck out of us – your thoughts

23. 
    23 rage114 said at 6:39 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    I am not down Kelce….for the future C.

    But simply being a better fit does not = better player right now.

    Jackson is the better center. He makes better line calls. He also meets the “all-of-a-sudden-very-important-veteran-next-to-Watkins” criterion.

    I hope Kelce isn’t going to start simply because he is a better fit.

24. 
    24 Arby said at 6:49 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    Count me in the crowd that wants Jackson at center. Let’s give Kelce a year as a back-up first, add 10 lbs., learn all the calls, etc. One of the reasons I wanted Gabe Carimi in the draft was in case Justice wasn’t ready to go – although I’m not sure his feet are good enough for the Mudd system. But I thought he would buy us more flexibility between guard and tackle than Watkins. Other than Justice, Kelce and Dunlap, it’s hard to guess who else is kept..

25. 
    25 Nick said at 6:54 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    Tommy, one more point to consider for your JJax v. Kelce column: what happened to the “Best Man Plays” ethos that has been a bedrock of this team for years?

    That’s one reason free agents like to come here, and it’s one reason I think the players have such loyalty to Reid and the team. There is absolutely no way any unbiased observer doesn’t see that JJax is clearly the better player. So it seems contrary not just to the “all-in” purpose behind this year’s team, but also contrary to the way Reid has told players that positions will be decided.

26. 
    26 ICDogg said at 7:19 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    Isn’t the problem, really, that you can’t mix and match O-line styles?

    That is, if you have one guy stepping forward into the block while another one is stepping backwards to avoid the block, there’s a much larger gap?

27. 
    27 -Triumph- said at 7:19 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    I meant “absorb”, not “avoid” in the previous

28. 
    28 JonS said at 7:26 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    1. Tommy, she’s fat.
    2. Is it too late for Laws to make noise?
    3. Hunt over Parker?

29. 
    29 Austinfan said at 8:07 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    A problem a lot of fans have is they want to replay the last game, the coaching staff is looking to play the next 21.

    So the question isn’t whether Jackson is better than Kelce right now, but whether if you live with Kelce’s growing pains, can he become a better center in THIS system in a few weeks. Because at some point you have to play a young player for them to learn.

    Jackson cannot play guard for Mudd, lacks the mobility for this system. Mathis is a much better choice for LG.

    I think Vandervelde makes the final roster, he’s not ready right now, but Mudd wants his players and will coach them up, Moore was a UDFA who ended up starting the last five games in 1998 at RG, 1999 started at center, 2000 back to RG when Saturday became the C. Vandervelde is a good fit for what Mudd wants from his interior OL. He won’t risk losing him to another zone blocking team.

    I think Herremans is actually a better fit at RT than LG for Mudd, Mathis is a better athlete, Herremans is more of a natural OT.

30. 
    30 juggadore said at 8:11 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    They gotta keep Jackson. If Vick gets hurt the city will be calling for Andy’s head.

    Also, I hope Peters doesn’t get more jumpy before the snap without Herremans next to him…

31. 
    31 Austinfan said at 8:15 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    I don’t think AR and MM have a choice whether they want to go for the big play or run a conservative passing offense, DCs showed last year they won’t allow DeSean the time to get deep (which requires 4-5 seconds, figure 1-1.5 seconds to get off the line then 10 yards for every second, so getting 30 yards downfield requires that much time) by pressuring Vick.

    Watching KC/Stl, the Rams were blitzing a lot inside, do you think they were focused on Cassell or teaching young LBs and DLs to prepare for a certain offense they’re gonna see in week 1?

    The second half of last year showed the blue print for beating Vick, bring pressure and force him to make good decisions.

32. 
    32 Stephen said at 8:48 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    I think this is the type of year where we should be a lot better down the stretch than out of the gate. Lots of people coming off of injury/strange situations (Patterson, Maclin, Smith, Justice, Allen) and a lot of young guys expected to play big roles that just need the practice to catch up with the lockout situation (Kelce, Watkins, Mathews)

    7 out of 8 of those guys are expected to be starters this year and have had some kind of setback leading up to the start of the season.

    I think we could have some shaky games in the earlier part of the year, but hopefully gain momentum and strength down the stretch.

33. 
    33 BC said at 9:42 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    @JonS

    If that’s fat, count me as a chubby chaser.

34. 
    34 Eaglesfanatlarge said at 10:14 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    @Max,

    I am totally with you on the historical Mudd pass blocking scheme requirements (only need to block for a couple seconds) not meshing with the Reid& Marty passing attack (slow-developing deep balls requiring 4+ seconds of clean QB). I was encouraged to see Vick adjusting to the reality of the game on Thursday as it progressed and dumping the ball off quickly.

    @Tommy

    I think Kelce could use a year of seasoning before he is truly ready for the big leagues. He is more likley to progress faster if he is thrown into the fire now, but this is not ideal, becuae he will make some mistakes early, and this may cost the Eagles a game or two, or the season if Vick gets injured. However, Kelce is a beast out in space, so if they focus on outside runs and screens, Marty and Mudd may be able to take advantage of some things that JamJax can’t give them.

    I am surprised that McGlynn has fallen out of favor. I thought he was reasonably atheltic and would be a decent fit for Mudd’s scheme. Maybe being the starter last year went to his head, and he got lazy. It wouldn’t be the first time that has happened to a guy that got elevated unexpectedly.

    Starting a lot of rookies also does not bode well for late in the season and the playoffs. Coming out of college, players are used to a much shorter season. Since they are rookies, they wind up playing a lot of snaps in the preseason. The whole adjustment to the NFL also takes its toll. By the time they get to December, they are worn down. I’m thinking of the ’09 season, when we ended with those massive stinkers against Dallas. I think a big part of that was rookies like Macho, who played resonably well in the regular season, being completely worthless in those late games. We could see a big fall-off as we come down the home stretch, precisely when we need to put the hammer down.

35. 
    35 rls255 said at 11:22 PM on August 27th, 2011:

    I like the idea of moving Herremans to RT, watching the LDE’s come off the line in that last game and hitting Vick what seemed like every other play was worrisome. I’m not sold on Kelce however. I understand the rationale for the move and the fact that he needs to play to get better but I’m not sold on his pass blocking ability. He looked like an All Pro in the last game when pulling on running plays, very quick and agile. But watching him get pushed backwards on what seemed like pass play after pass play was alarming. This may have been magnified by the fact that our whole right side of the line was getting bullied but still makes me wonder if he can learn the pass blocking techniques fast enough. It’s easy to say to give him 3-4 weeks but with the way teams are going to blitz Vick it only takes one blown assignment till we’re relying on Vince Young and then we’ve got even bigger problems.

36. 
    36 Steag209 said at 12:42 AM on August 28th, 2011:

    I second, BC

37. 
    37 JVB said at 7:28 AM on August 28th, 2011:

    If Kelce is starting week 1 he’s going to get killed by Fred Robbins. We need Jackson in there to avoid Vick getting killed.

38. 
    38 ATG said at 9:57 AM on August 28th, 2011:

    With Kelce, I see it as at least possible that Andy is not sold on him starting week 1 yet either, but keeping his options open. Similarly, he probably considered the possibility of Chaney moving back to the middle after PIT, but even if that was his plan, there is no reason to do it too soon and take reps from the youngin. Right now, Andy is probably hoping Kelce reaches a certain level to inspire confidence to remain the starter. If he does, great, if not it won’t take JamJax long to get back into the swing of things.

    I could see the possibility of moving foward without McGlynn or without Jackson, but I do not see us cutting both of them. I think JamJax stays and Mike goes.

39. 
    39 netherman said at 11:22 AM on August 28th, 2011:

    I admit I am concerned about Kelce and Watkins starting, but at least some of the issues seemed like continuity/communication issues that will improve with practice. Hopefully, Vick does not get killed in the process. As mentioned by others, a healthy dose of running could really buy us some time and the good news is our stable of running backs is as good as we have ever had.

    My concern is that we are dramatically changing the style of oline play and how long will Mudd be around? How many oline coaches would really support a C like Kelce over JamJax? Are we going to be ripping apart the o line again in a few years for bigger dudes again?

40. 
    40 MNG said at 1:43 PM on August 28th, 2011:

    My bet is Howard Mudd took this job on the condition that he had complete and unqualified control over the O-line.

    That includes naming the starters. And backups.

    Case closed.

41. 
    41 theguyotc said at 2:56 PM on August 28th, 2011:

    @Eaglesfanatlarge

    “Starting a lot of rookies also does not bode well for late in the season and the playoffs. … We could see a big fall-off as we come down the home stretch, precisely when we need to put the hammer down.”

    I’m not really worried about that this year. We’ve got decent depth on the O-line, so having JamJax or Wells step in for a few games late wouldn’t be so bad if Kelce actually starts or Watkins struggles. The only other rookie starters are at LB and (potentially) S, where the same is mostly true. My only real concern would be MLB, since there doesn’t really seem to be a decent backup (or, honestly, starter yet) on the roster. That may change with roster cutdowns though.

42. 
    42 PhxPhilly said at 3:35 PM on August 28th, 2011:

    Looks like “the plan” is crumbling. Definitely a panic move.

    For someone who should understand the importance of continuity of the OL, this preseason has been comical and what could have been expected when completely changing the OL philosophy. The growing pains are more forgivable for a rebuilding team but certainly not for a dream team.

    Going into the offseason Eagles had an injured RT, with possible decent backup in Dunlap, fat slobs at RG, two starting C types, and an allstar LG & LT. Either McGlynn or Jackson could have moved to RG and the line left with little change.

    I sure hope the ‘starters’ play some in this last game as the line is now a complete mess. Harris seemed like a good pickup but not so and Watkins looks scary. With every team likely to blitz up the middle having Kelce start does not inspire confidence.

43. 
    43 Kammich said at 4:14 PM on August 28th, 2011:

    Herremans to RT is the wise move, and I feel that it has been the wise move ever since it appeared that Winston’s knee wasn’t ready to go. I liked the prospect of Ryan Harris, but why bring in a guy who has battled injuries his entire career to fill in for a guy who is battling injuries? I don’t know if Reid was just in denial about Justice’s knee, or what. But I’m happy with the move.

    Regarding Jackson vs Kelce… I trust the staff in what they want to do with personnel. Here is my real question, though: Does anyone really think that Howard Mudd is a long-term fixture here? The guy is a few months removed from living in a nursing home, has had more knee augmentations than Steve Austin, and he looks like he could be a cast member on “Game of Thrones.” I’ve always had the impression that he was here for one year, two MAX. So how wise is it to hand the starting OC job to a rookie who may not fit whatever system we employ next year? What are the chances that we retain Mudd’s abstract system when he leaves? I just worry that they’re putting all their chips on a guy(Kelce) who might end up being a square peg in a round hole for the rest of his post-Mudd career.

44. 
    44 Iskar36 said at 4:33 PM on August 28th, 2011:

    @PhxPhilly

    From what I saw, the problems that Watkins and Kelce had throughout the game were mostly on the mental/assignment side of things, not so much on the physical talent side of things. Those problems are correctable. I think with both Kelce (if he starts) and Watkins, there will certainly be some growing pains, but once those guys figure out the mental side of what Mudd wants and learn how to communicate, I think they have the talent to be very successful. That being said, I think the mental aspect of things will be a lot easier on Watkins than it will be for Kelce considering the center is supposed to make line calls.

    @Kammich

    I got the sense that Mudd wasn’t likely to be here long term as well. I figured he would be hear at least two years, but not much longer after that. That being said, my guess is that the long term plan is to adopt Mudd’s system once he leaves. Of course, a lot will depend on if the system works with our offense, but I can’t imagine the eagles would bring in a guy like Mudd, change their style of oline play, draft “Mudd” type players, only to revert back to their old system. I’m sure they have guys who the Eagles hope to learn from Mudd while he is here.

45. 
    45 mcud said at 5:55 PM on August 28th, 2011:

    I would imagine that Eugene Chung is taking a binder full of notes. If the staff wants Mudd’s system to stay in place after his retirement, then Eugene is probably taking steps as we speak…

46. 
    46 eagles nut said at 6:53 PM on August 28th, 2011:

    I have a feeling that at least one of the backup OL isn’t currently on the team. I’d look for us to trade for or claim off waivers more athletic zone-blocking types.

    Some possibilities:

    Andy LeVitre, Buffalo
    Mike Pollak, Indianapolis
    Jamey Richard, Indianapolis
    Kyle DeVan, Indianapolis
    Daryll Harris, Kansas City
    Antoine Caldwell, Houston

47. 
    47 eagleizeit said at 7:29 PM on August 28th, 2011:

    The PR, in this instance about the starting line-up, over half the time(especially in this scenario) have nothing to do with reality. It could mean anything for ex. Vick’s contract negotiations. They could be trying to show him from last game & the new imaginary lineup how things can be. Sign a 20m$ plus guaranteed contract without being one of the higher payed QB’s per yr. & things will work out with the OL.
    It’s ludicrous to think that they’d actually start the season with someone who’s never protected a QB’s blindside(played RT) not even one time during the whole preseason, especially when you have Dunlap. Doubt anyones ever had less snaps, including practice, that have actually been told & started 2 wks ahead of a game that they’ll be protecting a QB’s blind-side.

48. 
    48 Name said at 8:32 PM on August 28th, 2011:

    So apparently the Cowboys started a UDFA at C last night.

49. 
    49 Jo said at 9:38 PM on August 28th, 2011:

    All I know is I sure hope these coaches know what they are doing. I felt WAY more confident heading into last season and the roster was dismal compared to this. The dline and secondary will protect the LBs as long as dixon, Jenkins and Patterson stay healthy. (I really hope laws makes the team, I really think he started to show his 2nd round ability last year). The WR and RB are fine. The Oline is what is scaring everyone. Peters and Mathis will be fine. Evan is a vet that isn’t much of a drop from Todd. Kelce has been given the center position and I hate that move. Who gives an ish that JJax is 330 lbs and isn’t a Mudd type lineman. He can drive block 325 dlineman and make the correct protection calls. That right there wins his vote for the starter from me. Kelce will be good but u are
    Letting a 6th round pick protect your franchise player..really?!?! Todd will help Watkins and I feel much better with Todd over there. Winston was never that good…king is a good backup to have. I am just really tired of hearing “mudd type lineman”. Whatever happened to your five best lineman on the field!?! That would be Peters, Mathis, JJax, Watkins, Herrimans. Period. No one can tell me Kelce is better than JJax. Spagnola is putting together a 10 play blitz package right now that involves stunts, LBs and Safeties blitzing right between the RG and center. Luckily its on turf. Vick can run faster!!!

50. 
    50 ATG said at 9:41 PM on August 28th, 2011:

    @ eaglizit

    Interesting theory. Maybe, as a corollary, they are threatening Vick with Kelce and Warkins in front of him. “Sign this or face unblocked blitzers up the middle for as long as you last.”

    I’m kidding, I think there is a chance the new guys work out fine. I also think their is a chance we are seeing Reid’s famous 100 percent support, right up to the day he benches you.

51. 
    51 Austinfan said at 9:53 PM on August 28th, 2011:

    Mudd took over Indy’s OL in 1998, Manning was a rookie (i.e. not the player he’d become in a few years) replacing Harbaugh (not a QB who held the ball).

    1997:
    LT Adam Meadows (2nd rd)
    LG Doug Widell
    C Jay Leeuwenburg
    RG Tarik Glenn (1st rd)
    RT Tony Mandarich

    1998:
    LT Tarik Glenn
    LG Steve McKinney (4th rd)
    C Jay Leeuwenburg
    RG Tony Mandarich
    RT Adam Meadows
    Larry Moore (UDFA) started last 5 games at RG

    Sacks dropped from 62 in 1997 to 22 in 1998

52. 
    52 Dewey said at 1:27 AM on August 29th, 2011:

    Questions:

    1. What is “the plan”?
    2. With rookies at both kicker positions, at MLB, c and RG. With 2nd year players at S, SLB. With new coaches on both lines and at DC. WHO SAYS THE EAGLES ARE IN WIN NOW MODE?
    3. Parker, Laws, Hanson, Jamaal? All gone?

53. 
    53 T_S_O_P said at 4:04 AM on August 29th, 2011:

    “Sacks dropped from 62 in 1997 to 22 in 1998”

    It’s the 62 sacks in year 1 that really isn’t going to appease any fears.

54. 
    54 Davesbeard said at 5:02 AM on August 29th, 2011:

    @ T_S_O_P

    The 62 sacks came in 1997 the year before Mudd became Indys OL coach.

55. 
    55 cvd said at 7:42 AM on August 29th, 2011:

    I know everyone keeps sayin we r all in this year but I don’t think the eagles r really thinking this way. They certainly r closer to thinking this way than ever b4. But I think they c this as a 3 year thing. They feel they will be in a good position over the next 3 years to twin it all. So they may want to throw kelce out there. I would rather go JJ and bring kelce if JJ gets hurt

56. 
    56 MJ said at 11:40 AM on August 29th, 2011:

    Tommy,
    Is there a reason for the massive push to give the starting center job to Kelce. I understand that he fits more with what Mudd is looking for, but has Jackson done something to get himself into the doghouse? It just seems like with such chaos on the line as far as who is playing and where they will line up, that every bit of stability would help. Why not let Jackson start the season and give Kelce some more time to progress, instead of just going trial by fire?

57. 
    57 will said at 2:08 PM on August 29th, 2011:

    the hiring of howard mudd will be the downfall of the eagles this year. this will prove to be a huge mistake. the locker room is completely fractured. veteran players are upset with the treatment of guys like jackson and mcglynn. vick wants no part of making the protection calls and has made that known. these rookies while talented are nowhere near being ready to play at a level a team going for a championship needs. this is all about mudds ego instead of whats best for the eagles. andy needs to put his foot down soon, his job may be on the line because of this senile old man. if they start with two rookies on the o-line it will make last years unit look like the old redskin hogs.