When the Eagles signed offensive lineman Stacy Andrews early in free agency, they expected him to be the full-time starter at Offensive Guard. But ever since the former Bengal was held out of significant playing time in the opening game for precautionary reasons, the Right OG position has become a platoon of three starters, including Nick Cole, Max Jean-Gillies, and Andrews. According to several of the coaches, including offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, the rotation of three starters on the right side of the line will continue into the 5th week of the season, and likely further on.

Although many foresaw Andrews (pictured, #76) starting and succeeding as the primary guy at the OG position, the two others brought into a sharing role have proven valuable. After all, since the trio has split time on the offensive line, the Eagles have had quite a bit of success both passing and running the ball. They were able to assist the other lineman in creating time and space for replacement starters such as QB Kevin Kolb and RB LeSean McCoy, which was almost a necessity because of the young players’ tough situations and knack for mistakes.

Cole, one of the three rotating OGs, is in his 4th season with the Birds, and previously spent his career serving as a backup Center and emergency Guard. In earlier years, the massively-framed Cole (weighing in at 350 lbs.) was even used as a situational Fullback for blocking purposes near the goal-line. He displayed potential while filling in at occasional moments throughout his career, and figured to see an increase in opportunities this season as the official 2nd-string OG. Now the former undrafted rookie is in a semi-starting role, and he’s taken advantage of this playing time.

The other rotational player besides Andrews and Cole is Max Jean-Gillies, who has come along way from when he was drafted in 2006, and serves as the Guard with the majority of the starting time in the rotational system. He has improved from being called a draft “bust” with weight problems to now being dubbed a high-potential, quality starting lineman. With his excellent foot techniques and blocking manuevers, Jean-Gillies has been able to contain most defenders he’s faced thus far in the season, and seems to be maturing into the OG of the long-term future the Eagles got him to be.

As long as the 3-man rotational process continues to deliver success for the Eagles’ offense, it seems to be a wise decision to keep it going. Besides, the veteran mechanics that Stacy Andrews displays will certainly blend well with the young talent both Nick Cole and Jean-Gillies bring to the table, and that could prove extremely beneficial for the future.

(Picture source)