Philadelphia Eagles Offseason Needs: Don't Forget About the O-Line

While we all know that the defense has more holes than the plot of a Transformers movie, the Eagles shouldn’t forget about improving the offense during the offseason.  With many superstars and potential superstars, the Eagles offense is certainly one of the most exciting in the NFL.  But, improvements can and should be made.

The most glaring issue on offense has got to be the line.  Michael Vick, with all of his talents, was hit way too often in 2010. 

Now imagine the scenario where Vick has all of these downfield weapons in DJax, Maclin, Avant and Celek.  Add into that the protection that was enjoyed behind Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan.  Now instead of a three-step drop and three seconds of protection, Vick has time to let plays develop downfield, run through his progressions and pick apart secondaries.

We have to look at the current personnel and be realistic about their ability to fulfill this role.  The most glaring weakness is on Vick’s blind side.  Can Max Jean-Gilles and Winston Justice pick up their games next season and give Vick the confidence he needs to stand in the pocket and run through the progressions and make those downfield plays?  There are plenty of quality free agent linemen and draft picks to suggest the Eagles should be looking around to strengthen the right side.

Everyone is abuzz about the free agency of Logan Mankins.  Assuming there is a free agency, Mankins will be one of the most sought after guys on the market.  He’s a three-time pro-bowler, has many good years left and it appears he’s not all that interested in returning to the Patriots.  On the downside, he’s been a holdout in the past, and he may be beyond the Eagles’ traditional budget for linemen. 

Going unnoticed so far is Tyson Clabo.  Clabo anchored one of the best run blocking lines in the 2010 season.  He, like Mankins, is 28 years old and has many good years in front of him.  More importantly, he is 6’6” and 330 lbs.  Wouldn’t that be a great lead for Shady?

From the draft perspective, the Eagles have the 23^rd overall pick in the first round.  Now, anybody who has ever followed the Eagles' draft picks would bet the farm on the fact that the Eagles won’t actually pick at 23.  Trade up and trade down are Andy’s favorite phrases. 

But, in the unlikely event that the pick is actually at 23, Gabe Carimi looks like the favored son.  At 6’8” and 320, he is also a monster front man.  But he relies on his size and strength rather than athleticism.  Can we afford another King Dunlap-like lineman?  Tread carefully, Andy.

I can see visions in my head of Vick being able to stay in the pocket and let things develop.   And if nothing does, he can be Michael Vick and just run.  But the key to making this offense even more productive and keeping Vick healthy is giving him the confidence that he isn’t going to be hit a few dozen times each game.  And that all starts with improving the blind side.