The conversation surrounding thePhiladelphia Eagles' offense usually begins with familiar names. Jalen Hurts is learning Sean Mannion's new system. DeVonta Smith is the unquestioned WR1 in the passing game. Saquon Barkley remains one of the NFL's most dangerous offensive weapons.
Even Mannion himself has become a popular topic. Fans and analysts are attempting to determine what Philadelphia's offense will look like when the regular season begins. Meanwhile, one of the most important figures in that entire operation rarely becomes the center of the discussion. Ironically, he's the anchor of the offensive line.
Cam Jurgens spoke with reporters following the Eagles' final training camp practice on Wednesday, and one of the most encouraging developments
of Philadelphia's summer had little to do with scheme, personnel packages, or play design. For the first time in a while, Jurgens feels healthy.
"I feel like every week it's been making improvements. I'm really happy with where I'm at. Heading into the season, I feel like I'm in a lot better spot than I was last year."
That statement carries more significance than it might appear. This time last year, Jurgens was attempting to build on a breakout campaign while managing the lingering effects of back surgery and the physical and obvious wear that followed.
He fought through discomfort for much of the season and still earned a Pro Bowl selection. The accomplishment was impressive. The circumstances behind it may have been even more impressive. Cam Jurgens enters the season in a much better place. Jurgens wasn't operating at full strength, yet he still played like one of the better centers in football.
This summer has looked dramatically different. He completed training camp without missing any practice time due to injury and took every available rep in an offense that continues to evolve under Mannion.
Everything runs through Cam Jurgens.
Why does all of this matter? The answer is simple. No player on offense may have a greater responsibility for ensuring the transition works smoothly. Quarterbacks receive much of the attention when an offense changes, but centers often become the bridge between the coaching staff and the players executing the plan.
New terminology... New protections... New communication... New offensive concepts. Everything passes through Jurgens. He acknowledged as much when discussing the value of staying on the field throughout training camp.
"It's great, especially with the new offense, getting those reps in, communicating with the guys, and no matter who's next to me, who's at tackle or guard, it's good talking to everybody and talking through that terminology and being able to be out there to make the mistakes to go in and work on it."
That role becomes even more important when considering how much change Philadelphia has experienced. The Eagles are adjusting to a new offensive coordinator. They are integrating younger players. They are learning new terminology and new ways of attacking defenses.
Every adjustment requires communication. Every communication starts with the center. The Eagles have plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about their offense entering the season. Hurts remains one of the league's better quarterbacks. Smith and Barkley give Philadelphia proven playmakers. Mannion has spent months shaping his vision for the unit.
Still, one of the strongest reasons for confidence may be standing directly over the football. A year ago, Cam Jurgens was fighting through injuries while trying to hold everything together. This year, he enters the season healthy, comfortable, and fully involved in the installation of a new offense. If Philadelphia's transition under Mannion goes smoothly, don't be surprised if one of the biggest reasons is also one of the least discussed.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Healthy Cam Jurgens anchors Eagles’ transition to new offense
