The driving force behind the Eagles' top-five offense these last two seasons has been the play of their offensive line . Ball carriers get the ball because of good quarterback play, but quarterbacks get good in large part because of their protection.
Strength obviously plays a part, but the style and pace of Chip Kelly's play-calling relies on another important element: athleticism.
"That's the makeup of our offensive line," Eagles center Jason Kelce said. "They're all athletic guys who can block and run. Second level, do screens, do things out in space. That's something that separates our offensive line from other offensive lines."
That spirit Kelce defines was on display in Philadelphia's exhibition victory over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night at Lambeau Field. Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford was able to make his reads consistently as defenders were largely held at a distance. He would go a perfect 10-of-10 for three touchdowns on the evening.
"Any time the quarterback's getting the ball out quickly it's easy for an offensive line," Kelce said. "Depending on the way the defense is playing, sometimes you have to hold onto it a little bit longer, but on Saturday the ball was out really quickly all the time. It's easy to pass block in those situations."
The Eagles' front is anchored by Kelce in the middle and on both sides by Jason Peters (to the left) and Lane Johnson (to the right). The guard positions are still in question, the left less so with Allen Barbre taking the post since Evan Mathis failed to show at voluntary minicamps this spring. Andrew Gardner and Matt Tobin are the favorites to take the spot between Kelce and Johnson.
Slowly but surely, things are starting to come together.
"It's gotten better and better," Kelce said of their chemistry. "It will continue to get better and better throughout the season, but it's certainly not a problem right now."
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