Up Front

Posted: November 22nd, 2024 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 1 Comment »

Great offensive line play was a key part of the Eagles winning Super Bowl LII. They made it back five years later when they once again had the best O-line in the league. Jason Kelce is gone this time around, but the OL continues to be one of the best in the league. Right now they are probably second to Detroit among OL units.

The current group is especially impressive because Cam Jurgens took over at center and then Mekhi Becton took over at RG. That only leave three guys starting in the positions they held last year. Beyond that, injuries forced Fred Johnson to start at LT and Tyler Steen at RG. Despite all of this, the OL has been a real strength for the Eagles.

The overall line is 4th in pass pro, but the OTs are even better.

That is impressive. Johnson and Mailata are big, strong, athletic blockers who are also smart and skilled. Pass rushers have to work hard to beat them. The Eagles had good OL play even when Mailata was out. Fred Johnson started against Cincy and limited DE Trey Hendrickson to 4 tackles, no sacks and no QB hits. In the three games since then, Hendrickson has 4.5 sacks, 5 TFLs and 9 QB hits.

One of the special traits for this OL is their athleticism. They can do some special things.

As impressive as that is, this isn’t an undersized group that has to win with athleticism and finesse play. The Eagles are one of the biggest lines in the league and these guys can absolutely maul defenders.

Fran is right. That is a thing of beauty.

Let’s see some more.

Andy Reid used to collect huge O-linemen and then would have them pass block over and over and over. Nick Sirianni has embraced the run game this year.

1st – Rushing attempts
1st – Rushing yards
1st – Rushing TDs

In the Eagles worst game of the year, they ran for 113 yards. Last year the Eagles had 2 games with less than 60 yards. Sirianni has one of the best OLs in the league. He has arguably the best RB in the league. He has one of the best running QBs in the league. The players want to run the ball. Sirianni and Kellen Moore are running an old school type of offense and it has worked very well.

While this is old school, it isn’t just 3 yards & a cloud of dust. The Eagles average 5 yards per carry. They lead the league in runs of 40 or more yards and they’re second in runs of 20 or more yards. The explosive plays lead to TDs. This isn’t running the ball to work the clock and protect the defense. Sirianni wants points and right now they’re coming. The Eagles average 25.9 points per game and that figure should go up. There was a three-game stretch without AJ Brown that limited scoring. Points haven’t been an issue since the bye.

*****

Cam Jurgens is in his first year as the team’s center. He isn’t as athletic as Kelce, but he’s pretty darn close. Jurgens is fantastic in space. He’s able to pull and block on the move. He’s got some real pop when he hits DBs/LBs.

Jurgens still has room to improve. He needs to sustain blocks better. He occasionally will whiff when trying to get his hands on a DT.

We’re holding him to a high standard, but he’s got the talent to play at a high level so I don’t think he’d have a problem with it. Jurgens looks like he’ll be the man in the middle for a long time.

*****

Mekhi Becton is new to playing guard. I’m sure Jeff Stoutland was intrigued by his combination of size, strength, skill and ability. Becton’s potential was through the roof. Becton has been solid this year. He is absolutely dominant at times, but will also miss some blocks. His highlights are fun.

Tyler Steen has played well at RG when he’s been on the field. Becton has special potential and I’m sure that is a key reason he has the job over Steen. Becton can just do things most OL can’t. He’s like a Phillies hitter than can deliver HRs, but also strikes out a bunch. Stoutland wants those HRs.

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One Comment on “Up Front”

  1. 1 The Linc - Eagles cornerbacks are due for an interception - SportSourcio said at 6:02 AM on November 24th, 2024:

    […] Up Front – Iggles BlitzThat is impressive. Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata are big, strong, athletic blockers who are also smart and skilled. Pass rushers have to work hard to beat them. The Eagles had good OL play even when Mailata was out. Fred Johnson started against Cincy and limited DE Trey Hendrickson to 4 tackles, no sacks and no QB hits. In the three games since then, Hendrickson has 4.5 sacks, 5 TFLs and 9 QB hits. One of the special traits for this OL is their athleticism. They can do some special things. […]