The Eagles Center out all week

[Scorpion]

Eagles' C brother killed by drunk driver

Eagles' Jamaal Jackson Played vs. Cowboys After Brother Was Killed by Drunk Driver
Posted Sep 20th 2008 6:54PM by Michael David Smith (author feed)

Philadelphia Eagles center Jamaal Jackson was excused from practice all this week with what the team said were "personal reasons."

The team hadn't said what those reasons were, but Sal Paolantonio of ESPN reports (via PFT) that Jackson was home because his brother was killed by a drunk driver in Miami on Sunday. Jackson knew of his brother's death on Monday but decided to play against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football.

Immediately following the game against the Cowboys, Jackson flew to Florida to be with his family all week. The funeral was today, and several of Jackson's teammates flew down to Florida to be there with him. They are all flying back to Philadelphia tonight, and Jackson will play in the Eagles' game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

It's obviously been an extremely trying week for Jackson. But he became the Eagles' starter midway through the 2005 season and has started every game since, and he will continue to start every game for his team.

With Jackson missing all week, can he be prepared for Lebeau's defense. Steelers run blitzes
all around the opposing centers and Jackson is responsible for calling protection signals.
PHILLY PLAYED MON NIGHT

[ertl09]

after hearing that serveral of his teammates flew to florida and flew back yesterday makes me concerned a little bit. Pitt has one of the top defenses so the big plays philly have been relying might not happen as often. This game is a tough call, could go either way, but Pitt ML might attract me otherwise laying off this game.

[Scorpion]

Eagles' offensive line a concern
By Joe Juliano
Inquirer Staff Writer

As a former offensive lineman, Andy Reid loves the role played by the guys in the trenches, knowing that the success of the offense starts with the work along the line.
That's why the Eagles' coach may be a little uneasy going into tomorrow's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field.

The Eagles have practiced all week without two-fifths of their offensive front. Guard Shawn Andrews suffered back spasms in Monday night's loss at Dallas and is considered doubtful for tomorrow. Center Jamaal Jackson has been away from the team for personal reasons.

Jackson is expected to play against the Steelers. Reid said that offensive-line coach Juan Castillo had been in contact with Jackson, and that the fifth-year center would be back in time for the game.

"I'm not worried about Jamaal being there, even though he missed a few reps here," Reid said yesterday. "It's a similar-enough defense that he won't be completely lost. He and Juan have spent time together via the phone."

Andrews is another story. The two-time Pro Bowl guard has been undergoing treatment on his back all week but is "not recovering as fast as we would hope," Reid said.

"Shawn is a little bit more of a concern because of the physical nature of it," the coach said. "We just don't know whether he's going to be able to go or not go. Right now, he's hurting, so we just have to get that answered and then go from there."

Andrews, who wore a padded lumbar support on his back at his locker yesterday, did not want to say how he felt or whether he was in less pain than earlier in the week, deferring all talk on the subject to Reid.

He did speak, however, when asked about dealing with the pain.

"I'm just trying to get better," he said. "The big idea is to be out there, of course. But sometimes with people that have had back issues, when that back gets you, it gets you. You can play with a fractured wrist or a lot of things, but a back is like the nucleus of what you really need."

Max Jean-Gilles, who filled in at guard during training camp while Andrews dealt with depression, will line up if Andrews can't play. Reid said he felt "very comfortable" that Jean-Gilles would do a good job.

If Jackson is not able to play, his place would be taken by third-year center Nick Cole.

The instability on the offensive line couldn't come at a worse time for the Eagles. The Steelers (2-0), who play a 3-4 defense somewhat similar in style to the Cowboys, are fourth in the NFL in total yards allowed (221.0), and gave up just 2.8 yards per rush combined to Houston and Cleveland.

Pittsburgh is anchored up front by 6-foot-1, 325-pound nose tackle Casey Hampton and 6-5, 298-pound end Aaron Smith, who had two sacks Sunday. Strong safety Troy Polamalu is one of the hardest hitters in the NFL and already has two interceptions this season.

Jackson is in charge of calling out the Eagles' blocking schemes, but offensive tackle Jon Runyan is confident he will be fine against the Steelers.

"We're very fortunate that the two defenses are similar and pretty much using all the same rules," Runyan said. "There are a few different things they do, but he has enough experience to be able to do that type of style. It's no different than being injured and not being able to practice."

Runyan believes that the chemistry of the offensive line will be fine with Jean-Gilles.

"Max is the type of guy that, if he's not sure about something, he's going to ask the question," Runyan said. "He's not going to be quiet. That's what you need out of a guy. He's going to admit he doesn't know, and he's not scared to ask."

The chemistry and performance of the unit will have to be at a high level if the Eagles are going to continue their substantial offensive output.