Prior to an Eagles game you will see some spectacular bodies bending, twisting and stretching to get ready for the day's action. These bodies have to be seen to really be appreciated. You might think I'm talking about the cheerleaders, but I'm actually talking about the offensive linemen.

Some people call them the "Big Uglies," but beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. Ask Donovan McNabb or Brian Westbrook what they think of the mammoth offensive line they work behind. I'm sure they'll have nothing but good things to say.

A lot of times the guys up front go unnoticed. I thought we'd talk about the players and their positions to get a better understanding of what's going on, as well as to appreciate the quality group the Eagles have assembled.

Let's start with a generic description of the positions:

Left Tackle – This is the most important position on the line. He has to protect the quarterback's blindside on pass plays. Good footwork is the most important part of being a top-flight pass protector. The player has to be quick and agile enough to contain speed rushers off the edge. Most left tackles aren't physical run blockers. They need to be able to get into proper position, but aren't expected to drive guys off the ball.

Left Guard – He needs to be a good run blocker and solid pass protector. He must be able to pull and block out wide on some run plays. The left guard needs to be effective at blocking linebackers down the field, whether on run plays or some short passes. 

Center – The thinker of the group. The center is responsible for making line calls when the linemen see the defensive front. The line has to adjust if the defense is slanting right or left, if they are overloading to a side or if they are doing something else unusual. The center also has to look for blitzes and make calls to adjust for those situations. You can tell the center is making adjustments when you see him pointing at defenders and then turning to both sides and talking to his fellow blockers. In terms of physical skills, teams love a center that is strong enough to block a nose tackle, but agile enough to pull wide on screens and outside run plays. Those guys are tough to find.  Most centers are either powerful or athletic, but not both. They must play with good leverage and always be in proper position. Missed blocks in the middle of the line can lead to disaster.

Right Guard – Usually the best run blocker of the line is the right guard.  He has a thick build and can really get after guys. He needs to be strong enough to drive defensive linemen off the ball, but also agile enough to get upfield and block linebackers effectively. He must be able to pull and block out wide on some run plays.

Right Tackle – He is normally a better run blocker than pass blocker. He will be involved in a lot of double team blocks because many teams still believe in running to the right side. That leads to the right guard and tackle or the right tackle and tight end doubling on a defender initially to control the key onside defender (sometimes a defensive tackle, sometimes a defensive end). About two seconds into the play, one of the blockers will then release and go after a linebacker up the field. The right tackle has to be at least a solid pass blocker. You can help him some of the time, but he's got to be able to neutralize the left defensive end most of the time on his own.

Now let's look at the specific players:

Tra Thomas – He is a gifted pass blocker. Thomas has been a shutdown left tackle since his days at Florida State. His back problems hurt his play some in the past, but he's always been an above average blocker. While not a dominant run blocker, he's gotten better the past couple of years. The Eagles actually had better success last year running left than right. Thomas remains one of the better left tackles in the league.

Todd Herremans – Down the stretch in 2006, I thought Herremans was arguably the best offensive lineman on the team. He didn't play up to that level last season. He had costly mistakes in losses to Green Bay and Chicago. Herremans is taller than the average guard at 6-6. That can give him problems with some short defensive linemen, but it can also be an advantage in pass protection. He's able to cover more ground with his long legs and arms. He is a good run blocker, especially at getting to linebackers. He's got the potential to be an outstanding guard. Herremans needs to be more consistent and has to work on his pass protection. Quick defenders can still give him problems. 

Jamaal Jackson – He had a terrific season in 2006, but was too up and down in 2007.  Jackson knew this and went to great lengths to get in better shape on his own. That shows focus and dedication. Jackson is a big, powerful center. He is stout. Few nose tackles have the kind of strength and power to move him backward. Jackson gets good push as a run blocker. He isn't a top athlete, but is effective when blocking on the move or out in space. With his improved conditioning, I expect Jackson to play better in 2008.

Shawn Andrews – "The Big Kid," as Andrews likes to call himself, is the best of the bunch. He is a special player, possibly the best guard in the NFL. He can be a devastating run blocker. Andrews has the kind of power to drive defensive linemen off the ball. The thing that makes him special is that he weighs about 335 pounds, but is light on his feet and also uses his hands very well. He can get his body into proper position, get control of the defender and then move the player where he wants.  Andrews can pull and get out in space on screen passes. He can mash linebackers and defensive backs. He's also very good in pass protection.

Jon Runyan – How old is he? Cut him open and count the rings. Big Jon might be getting long in the tooth, but he remains a solid right tackle. He's still above average as a run blocker, although not as dominant as in the past. Runyan will give up the occasional sack, but continues to get the job done as a pass blocker as well. One thing that hasn't decreased at all is his nasty streak. Runyan will still crush a defender any chance he gets. You also have to be amazed at his durability. He's now started 176 consecutive regular season games. That is a staggering amount for a tough, physical offensive lineman. 

As for the top backups:

Winston Justice – Athletic player still trying to find a home at either left or right tackle.

Max Jean-Gilles – Massive run blocker hoping to challenge for the left guard spot. 

Scott Young – Fourth-year player who has shown flashes of potential at guard. 

Nick Cole – Squatty, powerful blocker with experience at guard and center.

Mike McGlynn – Versatile rookie should challenge for a backup spot at guard and center.