There is something to be said for perfect attendance. That's what the Eagles have had at right tackle with veteran Jon Runyan.

Banged up, battered, and bruised, he reported for duty every Sunday in 2007 and has now started 176 straight regular season games (121 as a member of the Eagles), good for the third-longest streak among active NFL players, trailing only Green Bay's Brett Favre (253) and Tampa Bay's Derrick Brooks (192).

Runyan's attendance in practice, however, was impacted somewhat after he suffered a tailbone injury in late October. The injury occurred off the field as he slipped in the cold tub in the athletic training room.

Despite, literally, a pain in the butt, Runyan pressed on and, according to Stats, Inc., went all 16 games in 2007 without committing a single penalty.

Perhaps one of the best showings by Runyan and his linemates was the Oct. 28 win at the Metrodome where they squared off against one of the biggest, baddest, most physical defensive lines in the NFL, anchored by Kevin and Pat Williams.

The Eagles tried to run the ball, and they had moderate success. Most important, the line gave quarterback Donovan McNabb plenty of time against a defense that blitzed on nearly every down through the first half, and then plenty thereafter. In all, the Eagles racked up 385 yards of total offense and McNabb was outstanding, completing 23 of 36 passes for 333 yards and a touchdown. He had a passer rating of 103.1.

Even more impressive was the fact that the line committed no false-start penalties and no holding penalties in the loud dome.

The team's best unit in 2006, the offensive line's play in 2007 could be characterized as up and down.

At times, the line was really good. When you look at the yards-per-carry averages of both Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter -- 4.8 and 5 yards respectively -- the line did its job in the running game. The line did a nice job creating space for both backs and paved the way for what was a Pro Bowl year turned in by Westbrook (1,333 yards rushing, 771 receiving).

Where the Eagles were not as good up front was in pass protection. The unit has to shoulder some of the blame for the 49 sacks absorbed by Eagles quarterbacks as well as the offense's lack of success inside the red zone and a reduction in the number of explosive plays from the line of scrimmage.

Still, McNabb completed 61.5% of his passes (2nd best percentage of his career) for 3,324 yards and an 89.9 QB rating.

With all those numbers, though, the Eagles failed to score 21 points in 10 of their games, including five of their first six. The Eagles ranked 17th in points per game (21.0) but were in the top 10 in total offense (358.1 - 6th); rushing offense (123.4 - 8th); and passing offense (234.7 - 10th).

Through it all, Runyan -- who was voted by fans as the starting right tackle on the Eagles' 75th Anniversary Team -- was there anchoring the right side of the line.

- BOB KENT

NOTE: PhiladelphiaEagles.com will not profile players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.

The Ironman continues playing very good football at right tackle for the Eagles. Runyan showed some of his trademark toughness playing through his tailbone injury last year. Runyan played good football, both in the running game and in pass protection, and he was a stable part of the team's offensive line last year.

This year? Well, Runyan is an interesting story. He is in the final year of his contract, which has led some to believe that Runyan is in his final season with the Eagles. The Eagles and Runyan will have the final say, of course, so the focus is on Runyan playing quality football again this year.

Runyan is such an impressive guy. He has changed his body over the years and has stayed ahead of the curve with his diligence. Runyan remains a solid player on the right side of the line and he provides great veteran leadership for this football team.