A point that Andy Reid often makes is being proven this season.
Since the day he was hired, the Eagles' coach has always emphasized the importance of the offensive and defensive lines, saying countless times that the success or failure of a football team is directly linked to those positions.
This season, more than any other during Reid's 11 years in town, has been a turbulent one for the offensive line, and it has greatly impacted the bottom line.
The Eagles head into today's NFC East showdown against the New York Giants with the league's 17th-ranked offense, foreign territory for a team that has been in the top 10 four of the last five years in that department.
Sure, Reid can pretend that he was impressed with his team's 27-point performance against the Washington Redskins, which is exactly what he did.
"Not many teams put up 27 points or score touchdowns against this team," Reid said, taking a defensive posture when questioned about his offense after Monday night's win at FedEx Field.
In truth, Reid's offense accounted for only 14 of the 27 points the Eagles scored against the Redskins. You don't get credit for two other drives that netted 5 yards and resulted in field goals, and you don't get credit for a defensive touchdown.
Perhaps Reid was thrilled with the touchdowns on two big plays by DeSean Jackson because the Eagles' had only one touchdown in two games against the Redskins' defense last season.
Whatever the reason, the offensive performance against the Redskins had been preceded by an even bigger clunker at Oakland, and that should have everyone at One NovaCare Way deeply concerned.
Dig deep enough and you'll see the biggest problem with the Eagles' offense right now isn't playmakers or an inconsistent quarterback. Jackson might be the best big-play skill position guy in the NFL right now.
Quarterback Donovan McNabb has struggled the last two weeks, and he talked Wednesday about how he "absolutely" should have made some better throws against the Redskins. McNabb said his footwork was off, and he was aiming the ball at times.
Guess why?
"Rushing throws," McNabb said.
Quarterbacks rush throws when they feel pressure. McNabb has been sacked nine times in the last two games. The offensive line had allowed just six sacks in the first four games, and the Eagles averaged 368.8 yards per game, which ranked seventh in the NFL. In the last two games, the Eagles have averaged 273 yards.
Reid's point that the Redskins have a good defense is valid. But today's opponent has a better one, and the Giants, despite losses in their last two games, also have a formidable offense.
That's why the Eagles need their offensive line to come together right now. This is a fascinating game in a lot of ways for the big men up front, particularly the two offensive tackles. A year ago, the Eagles won two huge games at Giants Stadium, including one that enabled them to advance to the NFC championship game.
Look back and you'll notice that the Giants' vaunted pass rushers did not sack McNabb in either game. Indeed, New York failed to sack McNabb in any of the three games the teams played last season.
Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas were the offensive tackles then.
Winston Justice and Jason Peters are the offensive tackles now.
Justice is an accidental starter, forced into a starting role by Shawn Andrews' season-ending back injury. Peters received a fortune from the Eagles primarily for games like this one.
Before this season, Justice had a one-game resume that weighed upon him like an albatross. His nightmare at the Meadowlands two seasons ago was pretty much all anybody ever asked him about, and he handled the questions with remarkable aplomb and class.
Through six games, Justice has held his own as the Eagles' right tackle. Today, he'll have to take on Mathias Kiwanuka and Justin Tuck, who have combined for six sacks. If he does his job well, Justice may never have to answer another question about that unforgettable night when McNabb was sacked 12 times by the Giants.
Peters might be under even more pressure. He'll go against Osi Umenyiora, who registered a sack and a forced fumble in the only previous meeting between the men. Peters was with Buffalo in that 2007 game. Now, he's in the NFC East and playing with a sore ankle and a sore knee.
"To beat the New York Giants, you have to be good up front," Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said. "It's that simple. I will tell you this, we had three major situations health-wise last week where guys gutted it out. Todd [Herremans] coming back, the left tackle, and Nick Cole's knee. We have a tough, physical group up there and we're going to get better."
They're going to have to.
Read Bob Brookover's Eagles blog, Birds' Eye View, at http://go.philly.com/sports.
Blog response of the week
From: Dasher
Sent: Wednesday, 6:40 p.m.
"Hello, press box? This is Donovan McNabb. I want to report a mass murder. I just killed a whole bunch of worms!"
Contact staff writer Bob Brookover
at 215-854-2577 or bbrookover@phillynews.com.
