Ranking NFC East “O” Lines – #2 Eagles

Of course the Eagles have made some major changes to their offensive line with the departure of former Pro Bowlers Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas.

 The Birds have replaced left tackle Thomas with Pro Bowler Jason Peters and replaced right tackle Runyan by moving Shawn Andrews from right guard to right tackle and replacing him with his brother Stacy.

Peters and Shawn Andrews are the strength of the Birds offensive line. You couldn't find a pair of better athletes playing tackle for the same team in the league. They are quick enough to handle the fastest outside rushers and strong enough to deal with any of the power rushers in the league.

I believe the play of center Jamaal Jackson will be the key to their success. He needs to be more consistent in his run blocking. If Jackson can consistently get some movement up the middle it will allow the running backs to cutback if they don't have holes on the front side of the play.

I am sure the new offensive tackles will do a better job of opening holes to the side of the running play, so if Jackson and the guards get some movement up the middle, Brian Westbrook, LeSean McCoy will always have the option of cutting the play back.

This would make it nearly impossible to stop the Birds running game without moving a safety up into the box.  Defenses will be reluctant to do that because of the speed the Birds now have outside. 

Todd Herremans had a comeback year in 2008 and just needs to keep it up in 2009.

This could make the Birds a better run-blocking line but they will remain primarily a pass blocking line because of head coach Andy Reid's love of the passing game.

Right now, Nick Cole is lining up at right guard but Stacy Andrews will likely be at that spot when the regular season starts. Cole is going to get the chance to take the starting center position from Jackson.This is Reid's method of motivating his center.

Stacy Andrews needs to be ready when training camp starts because he needs as many plays as he can get, in order to get in sync with the rest of the offensive line.

He's a powerful run blocker who could help Jackson move defensive tackles off the ball at the center position.