A huge part of what made 2013 a special season for the Eagles was the talent they had on the offensive line. Not only that, but they stayed healthy all season long and helped the Eagles capture the division title. This season, however, the Birds have suffered quite a few injuries and suspensions on the line, more than making up for last season.
2013 first round pick Lane Johnson missed the first four games of the season for testing positive for PEDs back in the summer. Evan Mathis, deemed by some football analysts to be the best guard in football, suffered an MCL sprain and was placed on the injured reserve list, but can possibly return later in the season. Backup guard Allen Barbre also suffered an injury in the same game as Mathis. Barbre will likely miss the season with a high ankle sprain. Finally, Jason Kelce was forced to miss time to undergo sports hernia surgery. Kelce started feeling pain in his abdominal region against Jacksonville, but kept playing until he couldn't keep going in Week 3. Both Kelce and Mathis are eyeing a week 10 return. Even with all the injuries and setbacks, the Eagles are still playing good football. A big part of that is coming from the leadership of left tackle Jason Peters.
Undrafted out of the University of Arkansas, Jason Peters was originally recruited as a defensive lineman and then switched to the other side of the ball....to play tight end. At 320 pounds, Peters was far from your typical tight end. he had decent hands, but was a much better blocker. When it came time for the 2004 NFL Draft, Peters entered as an offensive lineman and was projected as a fourth round pick, but went undrafted and signed with the Buffalo Bills.
Three years later, he was selected to his first Pro Bowl. Although he was unable to participate due to a groin injury, it was quite a journey from undrafted free agent to All Pro lineman. He's been a fighter his whole life, and perfectly embodies the city of Philadelphia. He was traded to the Eagles in 2009 and has made the Pro Bowl in four of the five seasons he has been here, with 2012 being the lone exception.
The biggest job that the offensive line takes on is protecting the quarterback. While every lineman does that between the whistles, Peters shows that he carries that mentality at all times. Every Eagles fan remembers the Washington scuffle a couple weeks ago. Peters went after Chris Baker after Baker laid out a dirty hit on Foles. Peters truly believes in this team and was willing to go to whatever lengths to prove that he cares about the Eagles and his quarterback. With the Cowboys and Giants right on the Eagles' tails, it is more important than ever to get everyone healthy and ready to play football again. But until everyone gets back, Eagles fans can rest easy, knowing they can rely on a great performance from Peters week in and week out.
By: Dan Goggin
Follow us on twitter @BroadStBeat
Undrafted out of the University of Arkansas, Jason Peters was originally recruited as a defensive lineman and then switched to the other side of the ball....to play tight end. At 320 pounds, Peters was far from your typical tight end. he had decent hands, but was a much better blocker. When it came time for the 2004 NFL Draft, Peters entered as an offensive lineman and was projected as a fourth round pick, but went undrafted and signed with the Buffalo Bills.
Three years later, he was selected to his first Pro Bowl. Although he was unable to participate due to a groin injury, it was quite a journey from undrafted free agent to All Pro lineman. He's been a fighter his whole life, and perfectly embodies the city of Philadelphia. He was traded to the Eagles in 2009 and has made the Pro Bowl in four of the five seasons he has been here, with 2012 being the lone exception.
The biggest job that the offensive line takes on is protecting the quarterback. While every lineman does that between the whistles, Peters shows that he carries that mentality at all times. Every Eagles fan remembers the Washington scuffle a couple weeks ago. Peters went after Chris Baker after Baker laid out a dirty hit on Foles. Peters truly believes in this team and was willing to go to whatever lengths to prove that he cares about the Eagles and his quarterback. With the Cowboys and Giants right on the Eagles' tails, it is more important than ever to get everyone healthy and ready to play football again. But until everyone gets back, Eagles fans can rest easy, knowing they can rely on a great performance from Peters week in and week out.
By: Dan Goggin
Follow us on twitter @BroadStBeat
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