NEW ORLEANS — Travis Kelce is an intriguing example of an offensive player who takes a keen interest in the performance of rival offensive lines. Although the Kansas City Chiefs tight end will not be facing Philadelphia’s offensive line directly during the upcoming Super Bowl, he has a personal connection to the team through his brother, Jason Kelce, who served as the Eagles’ center for 13 seasons before retiring at the end of last season.
Currently, Travis has maintained close relationships with several of Jason’s former teammates and continues to follow their games closely. “That offensive line — that’s the motor over there in Philly,” Travis remarked, acknowledging the challenge of competing against them.
Kelce has particularly focused on Cam Jurgens, a starting guard for the Eagles in 2023, who stepped into the pivotal role previously held by Jason. “He’s done an unbelievable job this year taking the bull by the horns and really being the middle piece up front,” Travis noted.
The Eagles’ offensive front is widely recognized as one of the strongest in the league. Every starter on the line — Jurgens, guards Landon Dickerson and Mekhi Becton, and tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson — garnered AP All-Pro votes this year, while Mailata and Johnson were selected as AP second-team All-Pros.
The line has been instrumental in the Eagles’ ground game, which ranked second in the NFL this season, averaging 179.3 rushing yards per game, featuring AP All-Pro running back and offensive player of the year Saquon Barkley. Johnson expressed enthusiasm about the Eagles’ commitment to the run. “For the offensive line, pass blocking is like you’re dodging punches and run blocking is we’re throwing haymakers,” he explained.
This formidable unit boasts an impressive average height of 6-foot-6 and an average weight of 338 pounds. Mailata emphasized that “You can’t coach size,” attributing part of their success to their natural physical attributes, including ample arm length and hand size. Nevertheless, he insisted that these advantages would not be as impactful without proficient coaching.
“Good coaching is crucial to translating that on the field,” Mailata added. Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland regularly reminds the team that “no man is an island; you must draw your strength from others.” He highlighted the importance of cooperation, stating, “Your job will not be done properly if the people next to you are not performing their responsibilities.”
Stoutland underscored that while talent is essential, a strong mindset is equally important for success. The offensive line’s cohesiveness is showcased in one of their signature plays, commonly referred to as the “tush push” or “brotherly shove.” This short-yardage quarterback keeper resembles a rugby scrum, but Mailata humorously pointed out that, in rugby, “the other side usually pushes back.”
Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi regarded this unique play as what sets Philadelphia’s offensive line apart. “Fourth-and-1, third-and-1, third-and-2 — they’re going to get it no matter what,” Nnadi stated, acknowledging the challenge faced by defenses trying to counter it.
This play has continued under the leadership of first-year offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who embraced it upon arriving with the team. “I just listened. I didn’t coach one bit. It’s a tremendous play,” Moore admitted.
When Jurgens transitioned to the center position, Becton filled the void at guard. Seen previously as a draft disappointment after being chosen 11th overall by the New York Jets in 2020, Becton struggled to meet expectations and faced challenges in his career, including missing the entire 2022 season due to injury. However, since signing a one-year contract with Philadelphia, he has found a path to success.
Becton explained that it was not solely the Eagles’ outlook for him as a guard that propelled his improvement but also the support and encouragement he received from coaches and teammates. “If you get support from people that you feel like they love you and you feel like you love them back, you’re going to do a lot of things great,” he expressed. “I feel like support just goes a long way.”
Such intangible factors are frequently praised by Eagles coaches when discussing the offensive line’s excellence. Moore remarked on the camaraderie within the group, stating, “It’s a really fun group. It’s a really cool group, just how connected they are.” As the season progresses, allowing the offensive line to lead the way has distinctly become part of their identity.