The Eagles re-signed the best offensive linemen in the history of the franchise on Tuesday morning, but not to play the position he dominated at.
Jason Peters was announced as a guard, not a tackle, for the upcoming season. For another former All-Pro offensive linemen, the transition will not come easy to the 38-year-old veteran.
"You are switching him from left side to right side, and now you are bumping him down to guard," said Tra Thomas on Tuesday afternoon on Marks & Reese. "Does he have the skill to do it? Absolutely. The issue I have with it is his durability. I was looking at his game log. 2019 he played 13 games and the year before he played all 16, but now you are going to be pounding against bigger bodies. You don't have those preseason games to get yourself warmed up to see if you can handle the load."
Explaining why I think Jason Peters decided to play guard in Philadelphia over left tackle for another team:pic.twitter.com/xH1k9V4eQ0
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) July 14, 2020Thomas talked about how Peters never lined up on the right side throughout the last several years, and the abrupt transition at such an age will be tough for The Bodygaurd.
"You know I would do as a defensive minded coach if I knew I had someone out there that never played on the right-handed stance position?... I go five man front and spread them up. Let's see if you can hold up to it. Now, you make Kelce not be able to slide. You make everyone go man."
"I would make it where Kelce couldn't slide to him. Now whats going to happen because Peter's isn't going to get the reps that he needs, you know they are going to slide the line to protect him. That left side is going to get challenged with all kinds of games and blitzes. If Kelce goes over there to help JP and they slide the line, now you are going to be in trouble because the left side is exposed… You only slide the line to protect the quarterback, not players."
Those aren't the only struggles Peters could face.
"He's dealing with Fletcher Cox's all the time now! That's what you are dealing with all the time! If you were getting banged up playing with defensive ends, you are really gonna feel it now."
Thomas had previously mentioned his thoughts on Matt Pryor's abilities and his readiness to take over for the injured Brandon Brooks. He echoed that setiment on Tuesday afternoon along with his hesitation towards the Peters signing.
