Eagles offensive line will again be its best weapon in 2022

As days roll into weeks and weeks stack on top of one another, forcing us to turn the page from one month to the next, the Philadelphia Eagles have given us plenty to discuss, especially from a roster standpoint. They entered the 2022 NFL offseason needing to make upgrades, and they’ve done a good job of doing so.

We’ve gone from discussing whether or not this team was being aggressive enough to suggest that this team may have done enough to reclaim NFC East superiority. Not too long ago, we were seeing memes on social media that suggested moving on from Howie Roseman was wise, Now, we’re asking if the most recent Eagles offseason might wind up being one of his best pieces of work.

The big-ticket draw is still any conversation that discusses Philly’s QB1 of the moment, Jalen Hurts, but the Birds are a better team now than they were at this same juncture of the 2021 NFL offseason. They’re stronger along the defensive line. They’re better at cornerback, linebacker, and wide receiver, but we all know what the strength of this team is.

The Eagles’ offensive line is the best in the NFL, and they should carry this team all season.

As we move through the month of June, there’s a ton of attention being paid to some of the new faces on the Eagles’ roster. Here are some of the highlights and lesser-mentioned moves in what’s been an energy-infusing offseason:

• Eagles sign Haason Reddick to a three-year deal
• Zach Pascal agrees to a one-year contract
• Kyzir White signs a one-year contract
• Eagles sign Keric Wheatfall
• Eagles claim Josh Hammond off waivers
• Philadelphia agrees to terms on a one-year contract

Don’t forget about the addition of A.J. Brown via a first-round trade during the NFL Draft or the selections of Jordan Davis, Cam Jurgens, Nakobe Dean, Kyron Johnson, and Grant Calcaterra. Philadelphia added a nice grouping of undrafted free agents after the selection meeting wrapped, but make no mistake about it, this team’s biggest strength is its offensive line.

Recently, Pro Football Focus ranked every NFL team’s O-line ahead of the 2022-2023 regular season. The Eagles topped the list. Here’s what Michael Renner, the writer of this one, had to say

"There may not be a single below-average starter along the Eagles’ offensive line. Pair that with arguably the best tackle duo in the NFL, and there’s no debate about which team’s offensive line belongs at No. 1 heading into 2022. Jordan Mailata’s incredible development at left tackle can’t be understated. After not playing a snap in his first two NFL seasons, Mailata went from spot starter at left tackle in 2020 to the third-highest-graded player at the position in the NFL last season."

Here’s Philly’s projected starting lineup if nothing changed between now and September: Jordan Mailata (left tackle), Landon Dickerson (left guard), Jason Kelce (center), Isaac Seumalo (right guard), and Lane Johnson (right tackle).

Kelce is the anchor, legend, and future Pro Football Hall of Famer. Lane Johnson has a legitimate argument for the Hall himself. Dickerson, Mailata, and Seumalo are all Pro Bowl-level talents (whether they’re voted onto the roster or not).

This unit is led by the best O-line coach in the business, Jeff Stoutland. The Eagles have depth should anything happen from an injury standpoint with the likes of Sua Opeta, Jack Driscoll, and the aforementioned Cam Jurgens. They’re loaded with starting-level players who are ready to fill in as reserves. Jalen Hurts success… That top-ranked rushing offense from last season… Both are a product of phenomenal O-line play, and they’ll continue to benefit from the guys up front moving forward.

Just four years removed from being named the NFL’s Built Ford Tough Offensive Line of the Year in 2017, Philly’s offensive line is set up for success again during the 2022-2023 NFL campaign. Make no mistake about it. They’re better at cornerback, linebacker, and wide receiver than they were a season ago. Jalen Hurts seems to be continuing his upswing too, but it’s easy to see where the strength of this team is.

The offense and the team as a whole will go where its O-line and its D-line take it during the coming season. By the looks of things, the Philadelphia Eagles have plenty of reasons for optimism and excitement.