Pete Prisco of CBS Sportsline thinks the Eagles now have the best offensive line in football.
I agree with him that this line is big, young and mauling. And I think it has to be among the top three lines in terms of talent. I just hesitate to say it's the best in football because they haven't played together yet. Continuity and familiarity go a long way in determining how well a line plays. And until I see otherwise, that Giants line is still the best in the league.
But, Prisco says:
"By trading for left tackle Jason Peters Friday — the deal is pending a new contract and Peters passing a physical — the Eagles might now be able to stake a claim as having the best line in the NFL, complete with brawlers and maulers.
"With Peters in at left tackle, the Eagles can keep Todd Herremans at left guard. The right side will be made up of the Andrews brothers, Shawn at guard and Stacy at tackle, and the center is Jamaal Jackson. From tackle-to-tackle, the line will average 331 pounds. That will wear down a defense for four quarters."
Well, in theory, yes. But that would require a healhy dose of running. A running game lets those guys be the maulers that they are and really go on the attack.
"I like this move by the Eagles, just like I liked the move to sign Stacy Andrews as a free agent from the Bengals. The Eagles line is now big, powerful and physical.
"It is also young.
"When the season starts, Jackson will be the oldest at 29. Stacy Andrews will be 28, Peters 27, Shawn Andrews and Heremans each 26.
"I'll take that group right now over any other in the league for age, nastiness and talent.
"Getting Peters is a great move for the Eagles. The price of a three picks. including the No. 28 pick in the first round of next week's draft, and a new contract is steep. But if Peters plays like he did a few years ago, this will be well worth it."
Let's hope Pete is right.
