Eagles' Justice looking for a second chance
Winston Justice was talking about the life of an offensive lineman and how one mistake can eclipse 100 flawless blocks.
"If you mess up once," the Eagles tackle said, "everyone thinks you're horrible."
DAVID MAIALETTI / Staff Photographer
The Eagles' Winston Justice still has hopes of winning a spot on the Birds' offensive line.
Two seasons ago, Justice messed up horribly - several times, in fact - when in his first start at left tackle, he allowed six sacks against the New York Giants. Asked if he was referring to that game, Justice managed to make light of the one moment he will forever be judged upon - until he's given a chance to, at least, redeem himself.
"I said, 'Mess up once,' " Justice said. "I didn't say anything about 'a game.' You brought up 'the game.' "
It seems whenever the conversation shifts to Justice, the game is broached. Whether or not he was unfairly blamed for Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora recording six sacks, the former second-round draft pick will have to continue to answer for the game.
"I guess it's fair because I only started in two games and that was one of them," Justice said yesterday after the Eagles' minicamp. "I guess that's 50 percent. So, yeah, that's fair. I haven't really gotten a chance to play after that, though."
Justice's entire off-season has been designed to increase his chances at playing. Even though the Eagles went out and signed two high-profile offensive linemen after longtime tackles Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan were not re-signed, Justice has approached the season as if he has as good a shot as anyone to fill those vacancies.
"I think everyone has a shot, no matter if they go and get somebody and bring him in," Justice said. "I think it's an open competition . . . even if people don't think so."
So rather than spend the off-season working out in Florida, the 24-year-old stayed local, hoping his presence would demonstrate to the team a renewed commitment. And he worked on his mental approach - one area in which he has been criticized, most notably by former Eagles defensive end Hugh Douglas.
"Playing to win. Not being afraid to lose - mental stuff," Justice said. "I think it's all been a mental battle for me. It's never been the physical aspect of the game."
Justice doesn't look like your typical offensive lineman. At 6-foot-6, he is a relatively lean 320 pounds.
"He's got a good body," said Steve Saunders, also the trainer for Eagles offensive linemen Todd Herremans and Jamaal Jackson. "Physically, he's very impressive. He's one of the strongest [clients] I have."
Justice, who decided he would conduct all of his workout sessions in the Philadelphia area, meets Saunders four days a week at the Aquatic Fitness Center in Bala Cynwyd. His trainer said he sees a little more hunger out of Justice, who is entering his fourth season.
"He wants to play," Saunders said. "I think he's always had the drive, and it's not like his workouts have changed much. But I think his staying [in Philadelphia] shows he has become more committed."
Justice reported for last week's rookie camp, the first time he had done so since he was a rookie plucked out of Southern Cal. He's back at right tackle, where he played in college. The Eagles once hoped he would succeed either Thomas or Runyan, but the bookends lasted longer than perhaps anyone imagined. When the Eagles decided not to re-sign the tackles, Justice said he never once imagined one of their jobs was his.
"I never thought they would just give me the position," Justice said. "I thought it would be a competition. . . . The coaches wouldn't have it any other [way]."
The Eagles traded for Jason Peters to play left tackle and signed Stacy Andrews to play right guard so that his brother, Shawn, could move to right tackle. Justice, it appears, is competing for a second-team role and possibly for a spot on the team.
It will be difficult to make an impression and with offensive linemen, if you're not starting, you're most likely not playing. It's a catch-22 for Justice, who wants more than anything to reboot his career after that September 2007 game against the Giants.
Contact staff writer Jeff McLane at 215-854-4745 or jmclane@phillynews.com.
