Let’s get dirty as we enter the trenches of the Eagles offensive line. Shawn Andrews has returned to the team after it was revealed that he had been battling depression. It looks like Andy Reid is going to slowly work Andrews into the starting rotation as he continues his recovery.

For the past nine seasons, Jon Runyan and William (Tra) Thomas have served as bookends for quarterback Donovan McNabb in the process both have played through notable injuries; most recently Runyan suffered a broken tailbone and Thomas’ recurring back issues had him considering retirement. All things considered, Runyan and Thomas are indespensible warriors and remain one of the best tackle combos in the NFL.

Depth at the left tackle spot has left much to be desired. Backup Winston Justice will never be able to live down last season’s 11-sack debacle against the NY Giants, so he may as well pick himself up, dust off and move on. Justice is determined to show that he can be counted on in the rotation, but he’s closer to Antone (The Tennessee Turnstile) Davis than he is to supplanting Thomas at this point.

Things are more optimistic on the right side, as rookie offensive tackle King Dunlap has impressed the coaching staff and looks to be a keeper. Dunlap dropped to the 7th round after being projected as a 2nd round pick. The 6′9″ 325 pounder entered his senior season at Auburn as a preseason All-American and All-SEC selection. Prior to the season opener he was arrested on a misdemeanor charge for not paying a traffic ticket, charges were dropped his problems would carry over onto the playing field. Dunlap would begin the season out of shape and give up 4.5 sacks in the Tigers first 6 games. The combination of injuries and inconsistent play would only see Dunlap start in 6 of 10 games, he would end up losing his spot to a freshman, spending the rest of his senior campaign as a reserve.

Being a late round selection doesn’t guarantee you anything, but it isn’t a death sentence to your career either (i.e Tom Brady). Dunlap is using this opportunity to prove the naysayers wrong while slowly rebuilding his confidence as he works against Pro Bowl defensive end Trent Cole in camp. Cole came away impressed with the rookie enough to proclaim that “He will find a place on this team.” Dunlap has long arms which bother speedy ends like Cole, that coupled with adequate footwork and you’ve got the makings of an offensive lineman.

Going inside to the guard position, Shawn Andrews when healthy is one of the best tackles in football. The “Big Kid” is all smiles in interviews and public apperances but in between the lines he is one of very few Eagles that possesses a mean streak he is able to manuever his man inside to either open a hole in the running game or to clear a passing lane. To watch Andrews block downfield is a thing of beauty, unless of course you’re trying to get around him.

In Andrews absence, backup Max Jean-Gilles filled in admirably, so much that some felt like he could replace Andrews if he missed significant time. I beg to differ. While Gilles more than held his own in protecting McNabb, he is best suited in the running game - that was the case at Georgia and remains so here. At 365 lbs. Gilles can pretty much do what he wants once he’s got his hands on you. He played exceptionally well against a Steeler defense that employs a 3-4 scheme, showing the ability to pick up linebackers in the gaps and double down on the noseguard when needed.

At right guard the Birds have fifth year starter Todd Herremans. In Herremans, the Eagles have a player that can be moved to either guard position, or left tackle (as a rookie he replaced an injured William Thomas) the 6′6″ guard goes about his work steadily on a line full of personalities. Scott Young is entering his fourth season as a reserve guard.

At center Jamaal Jackson is the man. The rookie free agent out of Delaware State in 2003 beat out Hank Fraley in 2006 and has been in the middle since. At 6′4″ 330, Jackson has made the most of his large frame and tireless work ethic to become one of the best young centers in the game. He has made huge strides in reading defenses and blitz recognition. He is backed up by Nick Cole.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 19th, 2008 at 9:18 pm and is filed under 2008 Eagles Training Camp, Donovan McNabb, Hank Fraley, Jamaal Jackson, Jon Runyan, King Dunlap, Max Jean-Gilles, NFC, Nick Cole, Philadelphia Eagles, Scott Young, Shawn Andrews, Todd Herremans, William Thomas. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.