With the addition of Jason Peters, the Eagles have two Pro Bowlers on their offensive line, Peters and Shawn Andrews, and another lineman, Stacy Andrews, who has been an alternate for the game.
That's very impressive and could rival any offensive line in football, but the Eagles still have problems upfront.
It's not at left guard, where Todd Herremans played very well a year ago. The problem is Jamaal Jackson at the center position.
Jackson had played very well for the Birds in 2006 when the offensive line blew holes open for Brian Westbrook and led the way to the playoffs. He didn't play nearly as well in 2007 and followed that up by having another disappointing season in 2008.
Andy Reid let it be known earlier this off season that backup center and guard Nick Cole would get a shot at winning that starting spot.
Reid may also address the position during the draft. Jackson hasn't been getting a consistent push on running plays. He seems to lack the power to get those big defensive tackles moving backwards.
If the center and guards can't get some movement in the middle of the line, Westbrook and the running backs will always have the option of cutting back. If they don't get any movement, then the back has no option, he has to run the ball off the corner or outside to side the run is called.
They've got to get better play out of the center position. There's not a division in football which can match the quality of the interior defensive linemen of the NFC.
You've Pro Bowlers Albert Haynesworth and Jay Ratliff, then Chris Canty, Rocky Bernard and Fred Robbins.
As for other problems upfront on the offensive side, I want to see them get two tight ends who can block. What good is to have everybody blocked along the defensive front only to have a linebacker or defensive end come from outside and blow the play up in the backfield?
Do you remember those ugly short yardage and goalline plays which went no where?
Upgrading the offensive line is like moving out of a dump into a nice home. You can't bring that junk with you've got to upgrade.
Oh yeah and while I'm talking about it. They need to get a quality back with that first pick who can take advantage of the blocking.
