• November 22, 2024

The Center Of Attention

The media and fans have been spot on in identifying the positions that the Eagles need to upgrade this off-season.  For a team that made it to the "Final Four" the needs / holes aren't overwhelming, but they are there.

Get younger at both Tackle spots.  One would assume that Stacy Andrews will be playing RT.  The Eagles will either draft a LT or slide Shawn Andrews or Herremans to LT.  In combo these moves should address the issue.  The Eagles are now younger and have Tackles that can both run and pass block.

 
Get a FB who is actually a FB.  Mission accomplished with the Weaver signing.  Weaver can get you the short yards, catch the ball out of the back field, and most importantly block the right defender.
 
Replace the departing Dawkins.  Baker, Jones, and Demps will have a shot to at least replace the on-the-field production of Dawkins.  Sorry, no one is replacing Dawkins' leadership and passion.
 
Get a TE that can block and can score points in the red zone.  Get a RB to compliment Westbrook and groom to be the future B-West.  The upcoming draft will hopefully address these issues…hopefully!
 
Despite all of these correct evaluations I am left wondering why no one is mentioning the need to upgrade the Center position.  All the OL talk this off-season has been focused on improving the tackles.  How is the performance of Jamaal Jackson flying under the radar?
 
Since beating out Hank Fraley (remember the SI cover) for the starting nod the play of Jackson has continued to decline.  Jackson is now coming off of two back-to-back subpar seasons, yet his starting job still appears to be safe…how?  In my opinion Jackson currently sits as the weak link on the OL.
 
The Eagles already missed their chance to sign Jason Brown this off-season.  The Rams paid high (the Eagles too had the money), but they got themselves a player for MANY years to come. Brown was considered by most to be the top interior lineman in free agency.  Too late now…
 
But this fan is hoping that if Nick Cole doesn't get a chance to compete for a starting spot at Guard that there is an open competition at Center between Jackson and Cole. 
 
While filling in at RG last season Cole showed that despite his size he is starting caliber, can get good leverage, and has the overall athleticism to play well at this level.  Based on performance Cole should be given every opportunity to win the starting Center spot.
 
So as we continue to hope for Edwards, Boldin, Gonzalez, Pettigrew, and Moreno lets also hope for some change at Center.

GCOBB

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