Adrian Fedkiw
Not so fast about the Chance Warmack starting at left guard speculation.
Despite seeing first team reps with the offensive line this week, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said that he and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland are still in the evaluation process of determining who will be the starter at left guard when the Birds host the New York Giants in their home opener on Sunday afternoon.
As of right now we’re still evaluating that. That’s another one of these safety questions. It’s still being evaluated and I’ll talk to Stout on that as we go forward.
So how will they go about making that decision?
We just need to evaluate how these two guys are doing in practice, go back and watch all the game film from not only preseason but the first two games, obviously, and just make a decision that’s best for the team.
Pederson also stated that if a change at left guard is made, he doesn’t think it will hurt the psyche of Isaac Seumalo.
No. I think if that’s the decision, then no, I don’t. I think Isaac is a smart guy, and he’s sharp, he understands, and we’ll be fine.
Seumalo told reporters on Friday that he is preparing as if he’s going to play.
I’m preparing to play and regardless of what happens, whether I’m starting and playing or not. I’m going to be a great teammate. I’m a Philadelphia Eagle first and foremost.
You can listen to what Seumalo had to say below.
It hasn’t been an encouraging start for last year’s third-round draft choice, especially after the team traded away Allen Barbre during the summer.
I believe a change should be made in an attempt to get LeGarrette Blount going. The Eagles have struggled immensely generating push with the interior of their offensive line, but have found success running along the boundaries. They averaged 5.43 yards per carry on plays along the perimeter Sunday, but just 2.33 YPC on totes up the middle. Blount didn’t even get a carry.
Getting the tackles in space and Jason Kelce pulling along the perimeter is what the Eagles do best. Darren Sproles is the back who runs that play best, however, he’s 34 and can’t be seeing double-digit carries each week. Wendell Smallwood was supposed to be the outside runner, but he’s struggled through two games.
It’ll be a test for the interior Sunday when they match up against New York Giants defensive tackles Dalvin Tomlinson and Damon Harrison.