Eagles offensive line healthy and rested for Cowboys

The Eagles offensive line is healthy - and just in time.

Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters returned to practice Wednesday after missing the last two weeks with a hamstring strain and should be "good to go" Sunday, coach Andy Reid said.

Peters could be a key addition as the Eagles face a sack-happy Dallas defense.

"They're probably the best defense that we have faced so far," quarterback Michael Vick said.

The Cowboys have 17 sacks, tied for eighth most in the NFL. They are led by outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, whose eight sacks rank second in the league, and bring a varied defensive front that aims to cause havoc among blockers, particularly when they play five defensive backs.

"They like to do a lot of things in their nickel package that try and confuse offensive linemen," said rookie center Jason Kelce, who started off strong but slipped the last two weeks, both against teams that run a 3-4 front, which Dallas also employs. "A lot of moving parts. DeMarcus Ware is all over the place."

Confusion, variety, and pressure are hallmarks of the Ryan family of defensive masterminds, from ex-Eagles coach Buddy Ryan to Jets coach Rex Ryan to Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

"They really mix it up well and do a lot of things that can confuse an offense and confuse a quarterback when he's trying to direct the line," guard Evan Mathis said.

The confusion, and different looks, can force offensive linemen out of their routines.

"All they're trying to do is get you out of your comfort zone," Kelce said. "A lot of your blocking, a lot of your techniques is about repetition."

Vick has struggled against the blitz this season. He has thrown seven interceptions and been sacked five times on the 105 drop backs when he faced a blitz, according to the website ProFootballFocus. He has thrown only one interception and taken four sacks on 133 drop backs when he was not blitzed.

Along with bringing pressure, Dallas ranks first in the NFL against the run - allowing just 69.7 yards per game - and seventh in total defense.

The Eagles, though, counter with an offensive line that has been better than expected, even with constant change mixing up the personnel. They used three different line combinations in the last three games and will add a fourth look on Sunday.

Barring any injuries, Peters will be back at his familiar left tackle spot, with Todd Herremans returning to right tackle. Winston Justice, who started last week because of injuries, will be back on the sidelines. With Mathis at left guard and rookie Danny Watkins at right guard, the Eagles will have the line they envisioned at the end of training camp starting together for the first time all season.

Still, the line to this point has helped power a running game that ranks first in the league and has allowed only nine sacks, tied for fourth fewest. Herremans, though, pointed out that the Eagles are still allowing too many quarterback hits.

Eagles passers have been hit 34 times this year, tied for 11th most.

Linemen have made mental mistakes in recent weeks after getting the same situations right earlier in the season, Herremans said.

"We've grown each week, but there's also some areas that we've taken steps back," Herremans said. "We've just got to take it on ourselves to tighten up our on-field decisions."

That will mean keeping a close eye on Ware. But another matchup to watch will involve Kelce battling nose tackle Jay Ratliff, who has caused the Eagles fits in the past.

The center, listed at 6-foot-3, 282 pounds, is small for his position, but Ratliff isn't a giant, either. He is 6-foot-4 and weighs 287.

"This might be the only matchup I have all year where I'm at least equal weight," Kelce said. "I think I match up well with my athleticism."