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Philadelphia Eagles debate table: Does L.A.’s O-line top Philly’s?

By Geoffrey Knox

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 27: Center Jason Kelce #62 of the Philadelphia Eagles readies tto snap the ball at the line of scrimmage against the New England Patriots at Lincoln Financial Field on November 27, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots won 38-20. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 27: Center Jason Kelce #62 of the Philadelphia Eagles readies tto snap the ball at the line of scrimmage against the New England Patriots at Lincoln Financial Field on November 27, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots won 38-20. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Okay, we’ve got a few games on the books. The question is simple. Does L.A. have a better offensive line than the Philadelphia Eagles have?

The first game of Week 4 in the NFL was a good one. It featured two of the best teams in the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings. If there are two teams that have the potential to thwart the Philadelphia Eagles‘ plans of a second-straight Super Bowl berth, it could be one of these two.

Now, that we’ve gotten a pretty heavy dose of film, debates are all over the place. Here’s one. Who has the best offensive line in the NFL? Pro Football Focus recently weighed in with their opinion.

So what did the experts have to say? We’re glad you asked.

PFF sparks another interesting conversation.

As mentioned, right around midweek, PFF offered their opinion on the best offensive lines following Week 3 in the NFL (Thursday night’s contest hadn’t been taken into consideration). The Eagles entered the list at number three, placing them behind both the Denver Broncos and, you guessed it, the Los Angeles Rams.

Here’s PFF’s theory on the top-rated Rams:

"Starting Lineup:Left Tackle: Andrew Whitworth, 82.5Left Guard: Rodger Saffold, 78.7Center: John Sullivan, 62.4Right Guard: Austin Blythe, 83.1Right Tackle: Rob Havenstein, 79.8There’s no debate, here. The Rams’ offensive line has been a tour de force through the first three weeks of the season. They have been the highest-graded run blocking line and the highest graded pass-blocking line through three weeks. This past week against the Chargers, they somehow allowed only three pressures on 38 pass-block snaps."

Now, here’s what they had to say about ‘The Birds’:

"Starting Lineup:Left Tackle: Jason Peters, 67.5Left Guard: Stefen Wisniewski, 61.2Center: Jason Kelce, 76.5Right Guard: Brandon Brooks, 74.7Right Tackle: Lane Johnson, 72.3There’s no shame in coming in third, especially with Jason Peters having missed some time again. When Peters has been on the field, he’s looked like his old self. He, Brandon Brooks and Jason Kelce all have pass blocking grades above 80.0 so far."

These two teams meet on December 16th for a prime time matchup in L.A. That one may go a long way in determining the answer to this question. So will this week’s action. Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz will get his second start of the season and should have some more familiar faces around him with Jay Ajayi and, hopefully, Alshon Jeffery returning.

Thankfully, Wentz will be standing behind, Jason Peters, Stefen Wisniewski, Jason Kelce, Brandon Brooks, and Lane Johnson.

You’ve already gotten a taste of the holes L.A.’s line can open for Todd Gurley and the time that they can give Jared Goff. Whoever you feel is better, just keep one thing in mind. Both Philly’s line and that of the Rams will get a lot of attention all season.

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