The Eagles left their season opener with a victory, but the offensive line’s uneven performance has now been followed by a significant personnel change. Philadelphia placed Landon Dickerson on injured reserve
after the veteran left guard played through multiple ailments against Washington. Drew Kendall and Willie Lampkin are the leading candidates to replace him, although the Eagles could consider changing more than one position.Here are four takeaways from the move.
Dickerson’s Week 1 performance makes more sense
Dickerson rarely looked comfortable against the Commanders. He played all 55 offensive snaps but surrendered three pressures, including a quarterback hit, and was penalized for holding. Those problems were part of a difficult afternoon for Philadelphia’s interior protection. Washington
repeatedly generated pressure through the middle and finished with three sacks.
Dickerson’s performance should be viewed in the context of the physical issues he was trying to manage. He remained on the field for every offensive play, but he did not resemble the powerful and dependable blocker the Eagles have come to expect.
Drew Kendall could receive the first opportunity
Kendall appears to be one of the most logical candidates to enter the starting lineup. His ability to play both center and guard gives Philadelphia flexibility, especially if the coaching staff wants to limit changes at once. The Eagles could place Kendall directly at left guard and leave Cam Jurgens at center and Tyler Steen at right guard. That would preserve continuity at four of the five starting positions.
Kendall’s next regular-season offensive snap would be his first, however, making his possible assignment against Tennessee a significant early test.
Willie Lampkin gives Philadelphia another option
Lampkin’s size is unconventional for an NFL interior lineman, but his leverage, strength and movement skills helped him earn a place on the roster. He projects as a backup center, but his guard experience keeps him involved in this conversation. The Eagles could use Lampkin at guard or center, depending on which combination best balances protection, communication, and run blocking. Philadelphia does not have to make a simple one-for-one substitution. Kendall and Lampkin's versatility gives the staff several combinations to evaluate.
Dickerson’s absence magnifies an existing concern
The Eagles won their opener, but the offensive line did not consistently control the game. Philadelphia produced only 10 first downs, allowed three sacks and committed several costly penalties up front. Losing Dickerson guarantees at least four games without one of the team’s most accomplished linemen. Based on the Eagles’ schedule, he will miss games against the Titans, Bears, Rams and Jaguars before becoming eligible to return in Week 6.
Philadelphia has invested heavily in developing offensive linemen, and that depth will now be tested much earlier than anticipated. The immediate priority is identifying the best five-man combination before Week 1 protection problems become a recurring issue.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Four takeaways from Landon Dickerson landing on injured reserve
