Philadelphia Eagles Could Be Fine Without Evan Mathis

The overhauled Philadelphia Eagles wrapped up their Organized Team Activities today. From the sound of the players that were there, a “with us or against us” attitude has draped itself over these Birds. As a fan, I don’t see the necessity for all veterans to appear at a practice in May. While cohesion and continuity would be nice, the offensive linemen need to be together when Sam Bradford can take snaps under center.

Jason Peters doesn't know who the left guard will be this year. Said right now, It's Allen Barbre, and that's how he's approaching it.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) June 9, 2015

The concern about Evan Mathis‘ absence is overblown until training camp begins, and yes that includes mandatory mini-camp next week. But this situation begs the question: What happens to the Philadelphia Eagles if Evan Mathis is not on the 53-man roster? While his age certainly has diminished his abilities, Mathis rates very highly across widening platforms as an interior lineman. Is that talent replaceable? I believe it is but I question the long-term outlook for the line, particularly if there is an injury.

Tackle

Arguably the best set of tackles in the NFL return to man the edges of the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line. Both Jason Peters and Lane Johnson were rated as 1st Team Pro Football Focus All-Pros in the 2014 season. Concern over Jason Peters‘ age is warranted, but even at age 33, Peters is a top-five left tackle in the NFL. Allen Barbre will provide depth in the event of injury, but will likely have a large role on the interior of the line.

Guard

Part of the reason why I don’t consider Evan Mathis going AWOL important during voluntary mini-camp is because of his absence last season. When both Barbre and Mathis went down to injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars, many expected an immediate regression for the line and the team. What ensued while Mathis was shelved was a second half comeback against the Jaguars and a 6-2 record overall. This Philadelphia Eagles team has shown they can win without Mathis. A hodgepodge of players will likely see time at guard during training camp and preseason regardless of whether Mathis shows up or not.

Center

If Jason Kelce can return to form following a derailed season where he had a sports hernia, this Philadelphia Eagles line is going to be downright nasty. David Molk was not stellar in his absence, but he got the job done and had flashes. Watch the Sunday Night Football game where the Eagles defeated the Giants. Molk provides quality pass protection as well as aggressiveness in the run game. Perhaps the most important person in training camp with be Julian Vandervelde. If he is healthy, either he or Molk can fill in at guard. Unfortunately that’s a BIG if, and one that’s proven to be unattainable thus far in his professional career.

Depth is a concern at all positions in the NFL. But depth along the offensive line can be blown out of proportion. Consider this: More than half of the rostered offensive linemen in the 2014-2015 conference championship games were drafted in either the sixth or seventh rounds or went undrafted. The Philadelphia Eagles could use a player like Evan Mathis along their line. But his absence won’t hinder this team’s performance to the detriment that many believe. While there’s an “I” in Mathis, there’s none in Eagles. And Chip Kelly has worked very hard to make sure of that.

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