In ironic fashion, the biggest men on the field are the ones who blend into the background the most every Sunday. The offensive line has always been an unknown entity to football fans. Obviously, having a good offensive line helps and having a weak unit will make your team suffer as a whole. But what is it that makes a line good? Sure, technique and skill are very important to have. However, the most important skill for an offensive line to have is continuity.
Unlike other positions on the field, all five men on the line have to be in sync with the same common goals to perform most effectively. The Philadelphia Eagles, because of how long these guys have been playing together, have one of the most effective offensive lines in all of football. They have a ton of experience on the line, and they even have guys, such as Lane Johnson, whom they are molding into future leaders for the unit.
One of the most important pieces on the line, a man who perfectly describes somebody you would want to lead the way for your team, is none other than center Jason Kelce. He came in as a sixth round pick in the 2011 draft and beat out incumbent starter Jamaal Jackson for the starting center role during training camp. Although he tore his MCL and ACL during the 2012 season, he rehabbed hard and bounced back to have a terrific 2013 campaign. In his first year of a six year $37.5 million deal, Kelce is widely regarded as one of the league's best centers.
Amazingly, Kelce was a linebacker when he redshirted his freshman season at the University of Cincinnati. He learned to play guard and center when an opportunity presented itself for a lot of playing time. To go from learning the position to one of the best in the world at center takes a lot of practice and hard work, both of which Kelce provided in spades. Hard work is the bond that all of the Eagles' offensive linemen share. With a unit that is only more familiar with how each other operates, look for the Eagles' offensive line to take another step forward during the 2014 season.
By: Dan Goggin
Follow us on twitter @BroadStBeat
One of the most important pieces on the line, a man who perfectly describes somebody you would want to lead the way for your team, is none other than center Jason Kelce. He came in as a sixth round pick in the 2011 draft and beat out incumbent starter Jamaal Jackson for the starting center role during training camp. Although he tore his MCL and ACL during the 2012 season, he rehabbed hard and bounced back to have a terrific 2013 campaign. In his first year of a six year $37.5 million deal, Kelce is widely regarded as one of the league's best centers.
Amazingly, Kelce was a linebacker when he redshirted his freshman season at the University of Cincinnati. He learned to play guard and center when an opportunity presented itself for a lot of playing time. To go from learning the position to one of the best in the world at center takes a lot of practice and hard work, both of which Kelce provided in spades. Hard work is the bond that all of the Eagles' offensive linemen share. With a unit that is only more familiar with how each other operates, look for the Eagles' offensive line to take another step forward during the 2014 season.
By: Dan Goggin
Follow us on twitter @BroadStBeat
RSS Feed
