Look no further than the 2020 season in the NFC East if you needed any more proof on how important an offensive line is.
The team that finished last in the division, the Eagles, dealt with an offensive line that was a revolving door of starters. Last season the Eagles went through 14 different starting lineups in 16 games and using 11 different starters in total. Only two of their five projected starters were ready to play in Week 1. Only one of their starters (Jason Kelce) made it through all 16 games.
The team that finished first in the NFC East, Washington, had a very different season upfront.
Washington used just five different starting offensive line combinations last season, nearly one-third the amount the Eagles used. As a result they finished with the third-best offensive line when it came to pass blocking, per Pro Football Focus. Washington dealt with a lot of the same issue the Eagles did (especially at quarterback) but a strong offensive line was pretty much the difference between them winning the division and missing the playoffs.
This season the Eagles are hoping to reverse their fortunes upfront — and there is good reason to believe they can.
Heading into the 2021 season the Eagles are projected to go with a starting five of Jordan Mailata, Isaac Seumalo, Jason Kelce, Brandon Brooks and Lane Johnson. There are not many lines in the league that can say they have more talent upfront than the Eagles and the line could turn into one of the top reasons they end up making a surprise run to the playoffs.
With Brooks back the Eagles project to have one of the best starting right sides of the line in the league. Prior to missing the 2020 season with a torn Achilles, Brooks was the best right guard in the NFL despite already coming off of two other serious injuries. Speaking to the media on Thursday, Brooks said he feels great and actually would have been able to play in the 2020 postseason if the Eagles had qualified. Anything is possible, and it is fair to have skepticism, but getting a healthy Brooks back for as many games as the Eagles can will be a huge boost to the line.
Getting back a healthy Johnson should also be a big boost for the Eagles.
Although he missed nine games last season due to ankle surgery, the time missed could end up being what helps him have a successful second half of his career. Johnson has been dealing with ankle issues since 2018, and instead of having the surgery he needed, tried to play through it. Johnson finally had the ankle surgery he needed, and as a result, says he feels the best he has in years heading into this season.
Last season the Eagles got a combined seven games from Johnson and Brooks. Anything is possible, but it is fair to project they will get more than that this season, an outcome that will completely change the outlook for their line.
On the left side of the line the Eagles might not have the All-Pro potential they do on the right, but they do have two quality starters in Mailata and Seumalo. Last season Mailata was one of the few pleasant surprises for the team, and from Week 11 on, Pro Football Focus had him as one of the top 15 tackles in the NFL. Mailata should improve next season with a full offseason of work under his belt as the starter.
Yes, of course, the Eagles could deal with injuries. Of course, if you are going to knock them for that, than you have to point out that the Dallas Cowboys are going with a quarterback in Dak Prescott who missed 11 games last season, and the New York Giants best player (Saquon Barkley) missed 14 games last season. Projecting who will-or-won’t get hurt when evaluating different units is a pointless exercise.
Even if the Eagles do deal with injuries to some of their starters, however, last season was a good indication they can handle it better than most.
The Eagles have one quality backup tackle in second-year player Jack Driscoll. They have a quality backup offensive guard in Nate Herbig. There is also the potential of Landon Dickerson, the team’s second-round pick, who projects to be able to play any of the three inside offensive line spots. Even last season, with a revolving door of starters, the Eagles were 16th in the NFL in pass blocking and 17th in run blocking.
With Jeff Stoutland coaching the line, two All-Pro talents back and a solid group of backups that now have plenty of experience, the floor for this Eagles’ offensive line is high.
If healthy, it could be the reason they flip their fortunes in the NFC East this season -- and go from last place to division winner.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!