Eagles Make Change on Offensive Line

A source tells CSN Philly that King Dunlap has been reinstalled as the Eagles’ starting left tackle.  That news comes after earlier in the day, reports were that there would be no changes along the offensive line.

Dunlap started the first two games of the year, hurt his hamstring and was replaced by Demetress Bell.  Head coach Andy Reid reevaluated the situation during the bye week and determined that Dunlap is the more reliable option on this offensive line that has allowed 17 sacks this season.

But could help be on the way?

Eagles LT Jason Peters was spotted by reporters Monday going through agility drills “gingerly” with team trainers.  Eagles beat writer Jeff McLane was on the Sports Bash on Monday and reported that Peters running “half-speed” but didn’t appear to be anywhere near ready to play.  The Eagles have until Week 9 to decide whether to activate Peters from the PUP list, and would get a three-week window from that point to decide whether he’s well enough to play in games.

So until that time, the Eagles are stuck with what they have currently.

Here is the way I might arrange the line.

LT – King Dunlap
LG – Dennis Kelly
C – Evan Mathis
RG – Danny Watkins
RT – Todd Herremans

At this point Dallas Reynolds just isn’t ready to play in the NFL, he is consistently being beaten and the thought here is maybe having two veterans around Watkins could help him out.  Another opion would be to keep Mathis at hs left guard position and insert Steve Vallos at the center position – he can’t be worse then Reynolds, can he?

Vallos has stared in eight of 41 career NFL games which is still more the Reynolds has at this stage of his career.

Reguardless of how the Eagles shuffle their line, its going to be a average line at best that was overlooked by the front office this offseason.  It’s hard to blame them for not having an replacement for Peters and Kelce, but not having depth is their fault.

Their starting five was a good solid unit entering the camp, but after losing Peters and then Kelce there hasn’t been suitable replacements – a position Bell has failed at filling.