Knock on wood.
The Eagles had five different starting offensive line combinations by Week 13 of 2012. Left tackle Jason Peters never suited up for a single game. Center Jason Kelce suffered a torn ACL in Week 2. Todd Herremans was on Injured Reserve for the final seven games with a foot injury.
It's been a much different story for the Eagles offensive line in 2013. The Eagles have rolled out the same five-man starting unit for each of the first 11 games and are on track to make it 12 this Sunday against Arizona. The Eagles have set a franchise record with nine games with at least 400 yards of offense and it's no coincidence that the continuity of the offensive line is a big reason for overall unit's success.
"They've played a lot together. I think they've played together now almost 90 percent of the snaps. I think that's important for that unit," offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said.
"You know, when guys come back from injury you really don't worry about it. I know all the players are exposed to injury. Our guys have done a good job of training their bodies in the offseason and then working and preparing each week, so they minimize those risks. But they've done a good job. Anytime an offensive line can play together for as long or as many snaps as they have, they have a chance to be a good offense."
Here is a more detailed look at what the return of Peters and Kelce this season have meant for the Eagles offense ...
The Difference With Kelce And Peters Back | ||
---|---|---|
Stat | First 11 Games 2012 | First 11 Games 2013 |
Record | 3-8 | 6-5 |
Scoring | 16.7 PPG (30th in NFL) | 25.1 PPG (10th in NFL) |
Total Offense | 357.1 YPG (14th in NFL) | 412.5 YPG (5th in NFL) |
Rushing Offense | 129.1 YPG (9th in NFL) | 150.6 YPG (2nd in NFL) |
Passing Offense | 246.1 YPG (17th in NFL) | 261.7 YPG (8th in NFL) |
25+ Pass Plays | 17 (21st in NFL) | 37 (1st in NFL) |
Turnovers | 27 (31st in NFL) | 15 (T-14th in NFL) |