A Closer Look at the Eagles’ 2019 Offensive Line
The Eagles don’t go into the 2019 season (counting training camp as the beginning of the season) with a whole lot of question marks around the team, but there sure are some regarding what would be considered a major strength: the offensive line group.
Not that any players should be replaced or that they’re bad players(actually very far from that); instead the major worrisome point here is health and depth.
Jeff Stoutland’s unit relies a lot on athleticism and power on the perimeter to create running lanes and, with the Eagles being a team poised to lean a bit more on the ground game this season, having enough serviceable swing pieces along the line is crucial. As far as the passing game goes, assignments are usually simpler and Philly’s linemen have more than proved their prowess on that part. The addition of a major pass-blocking asset in RB Jordan Howard also doesn’t hurt.
The first question to be asked has to be about the right guard spot. Brandon Brooks has turned himself into a Pro Bowler since coming to Philadelphia, and his Achilles injury during the Divisional Round vs. the Saints left a huge hole to be filled. As of today, The guards on the roster are: Isaac Seumalo, who figures to start on the left side; Stefen Wisniewski, who would be the logical replacement but re-signed with the Eagles very late in the offseason; Matt Pryor, a second-year player who the staff seems to like; Iosua Opeta, a small-school, highly-paid undrafted free agent; and Nate Herbig, another undrafted free agent. Based solely on name recognition and past contributions, Wisniewski would be the favorite to get the nod, but training camp might tell us otherwise. Even if he does end up a starter, the depth behind him and Seumalo figure to be very unproven when it comes to NFL snaps.
At number two on the question, standings come center depth. It’s common knowledge by now that Jason Kelce is an amazing player, leader and perhaps the best center in the NFL. It’s also widely known that he has played through several injuries in the past, and the team would be wise to improve his backup situation in order to avoid having a player of his importance make such sacrifices. Behind him are currently Anthony Fabiano and Keegan Render. Fabiano has bounced around the league and gathered very limited playing time, while Render is yet another undrafted rookie lineman. It would be great if one of them showed enough during camp to prevent Seumalo from having to step in at center again this season.
The third and final major question on the offensive line is the blindside. Jason Peters is well on his way to Canton, but is his body still capable of withstanding the punishment of a 16-game season? We all hope it is, both because the team needs him and because he’s such a fun player to watch due to his dominance on the line. However, if he can’t suit up for one or more games, the pressure will be on highly praised first-rounder Andre Dillard to step in and, in case he’s not ready yet, on swing tackle Hal Vaitai. Vaitai was somewhat erratic in limited time last season, but he can be a serviceable option in short stretches as he showed back in the 2017 season.
In the end, this unit should still be among the top offensive lines in the league, even if the depth and backup spots sure are cause for concern heading into training camp. Perhaps we’ll have some of the younger players step up in camp, which would be a welcome surprise.
Trench play is certainly among the biggest strengths of this roster, and all fans hope it stays as such for years to come.
Featured Image: Bill Streicher/USA Today Sports
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Categorized:Eagles