Winston Justice: Anxious times for Eagles as cuts are made

Eagles right tackle Winston Justice is writing a column for the Daily News again this season. His columns appears Wednesdays.

'WE ARE ALL renting time."

That is what coach Andy Reid tells us. From the front office down, you never know how long you will last in this business. No matter how many times you hear people say, "It's just a business," it never gets any easier to see your friends go and see the dream of playing professional football end for so many around the league.

My wife cried yesterday when she saw some of the names of the guys released. She became upset thinking that these guys and their families won't be there next week. It is hard this time of year, all the anxiety that surrounds making the final roster. None of us knows what will happen a month from now, a week from now, but that becomes part of the game, part of this crazy business we love so much.

You try not to follow the news or radio about the team. One minute everyone is on your side, the next you're the latest guy out the door. But here and there, you catch the side comments, and it's tough. Not just the selfcriticism, but to hear negativity about your teammates hurts, as well. Every man out there tries his hardest. Whether they are the first team or the fourth, for most of us, this is all we have. We give our all because we love the game and have nothing else.

There is no second career in football; you can't put "run blocking" on your resumé. It is difficult, but that is what we sign up for, a part of the game you cannot change.

There has been a lot of shuffling on the offensive line. Although I liked playing next to Stacy Andrews, I wish him well in Seattle. Reggie Wells is another great addition to the line. I remember watching him on film and he looked a lot taller, but his talent is to be appreciated. It's all coming together for the new season.

Jamaal Jackson is back in the huddle, ready to prove he has returned to full health. He seems to have a renewed appreciation for the game after being out. I know it was hard on him last year having a knee injury and having to watch his team go into the playoffs without him, and he is ready to make it back there this season. Mentally, center is one of the hardest positions, after quarterback. As a center, you look at the whole defense, safeties and corners included. Although a center doesn't usually block one-on-one like a guard or tackle, he does direct the rest of the line where to go.

We have the best offensive line coach in the business. The more practice and the more reps we take, the better we become. Juan Castillo works the line hard. He has his players on the field before any other positions. Coach's passion for his job really rubs off on us. It is hard not to take pride in our techniques, when Juan constantly focuses on all the little details.

The final 53-man roster is set. The new faces must be brought up to speed - nobody cares that a new group of linemen must develop chemistry in a hurry. It's our job, and, as a unit, we are up for the challenge. The entire team has one goal - to win. And we take it one game at a time. We can't worry about division opponents down the line. Green Bay, Week 1, is all we focus on now.

Have a question for Winston? Send an e-mail with your question, along with your name and hometown to

dnsports@phillynews.com. Winston will answer the best questions in upcoming columns.