Eagles Rewind: Offensive line needs work

When a team gives up six sacks and numerous quarterback pressures, there is room for variety. So it went for the Eagles Sunday, when they had protection issues that could be attributed to individual miscues, play selection and even just poor fundamentals (a sack on a fumbled snap).

Quarterback Michael Vick helped limit the damage with vintage moves, but the Eagles can't count on that kind of mobility from Kevin Kolb. They need to give him time.

"We definitely need to handle the blitz better," head coach Andy Reid said. If they don't, it could be a season-long problem.

Here's a look at Sunday's work from center Mike McGlynn, guard Nick Cole, linebacker Omar Gaither and several other Eagles after reviewing the tape of the Birds' 35-32 victory over the Lions:

McGlynn held his own blocking for Vick. But he is also responsible for making blocking calls, and in some instances Lions came free, even though the Eagles had enough men back in protection. On a red zone first and 10 late in the second quarter, the Eagles had six men (five offensive linemen plus tight end Brent Celek) to face six pass rushers. But McGlynn and Cole double teamed Lions tackle Ndamukong Suh, leaving Lawrence Jackson to race in on Vick untouched. Vick was hammered as he threw an incomplete pass.

Reid, in listing a litany of issues with pass protection overall (including with his own calls), said the line needed to be redirected at times.

McGlynn had a hand in opening up room on all three of LeSean McCoy's touchdown runs. On the back's first score, he stopped a free Kyle Vanden Bosch.

The right guard had the difficult task of trying to block Suh, often one-on-one. He was overmatched. Even when he managed to keep Suh in front of him, the big defensive tackle pushed Cole back. On the Lions' third sack, the Eagles had eight blockers (including two tight ends and running back Mike Bell) chipping against five pass rushers. But while several Lions were double-teamed, Cole was alone against Suh. The rookie defensive tackle powered through Cole for a violent tackle on Vick.

Cole also did better in the run game, helping open holes on McCoy's scores.

Filling in for Stewart Bradley, Gaither struggled trying to cover athletic tight end Brandon Pettigrew. But on the most glaring play, a 35-yard catch and run, Gaither was hurt by a good play call. Calvin Johnson ran right by the linebacker, leading Asante Samuel into Gaither and creating separation for Pettigrew. Once the tight end caught the ball, he easily outpaced Gaither down the sideline for a big gain to set up a Lions' score.

Linebacker Ernie Sims continued his habit of biting hard on initial moves. At least twice he jumped to the outside to try to cover Jahvid Best only to get beat for big gains back toward the middle of the field.

Jeremy Maclin had a great downfield block on DeSean Jackson's touchdown.

Defensive end Juqua Parker created significant pressure, especially as Detroit tried to rally. He had a sack midway through the fourth quarter and hurried quarterback Shaun Hill on the second play of the Lions' final drive. Parker was also credited with a crucial tackle on a fourth-and-one stop early in the fourth quarter.

On the Lions last score, they used Calvin Johnson's height to exploit the Eagles' shorter defensive backs. On consecutive plays, he burned first Joselio Hanson and then Quintin Mikell, and the Lions put the ball high for him to make a play. Both resulted in scores, but one was called back by a penalty. That led to a surprising admission from Reid on the vulnerability of his defensive backs: "I can't get the secondary to grow, and they put it up there where only he can get it." Reid said there isn't much his defenders can do against a good throw to someone as big and athletic as Johnson - a fair point. But with Andre Johnson, Dez Bryant, and other big receivers left on the schedule, it's an area to watch.