As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for another NFL season, one significant change at the heart of their offensive line stands out – the transition of Cam Jurgens to the center position. This shift follows the departure of veteran center Jason Kelce, a move that brings both challenges and opportunities for the team and the young player.
A New Era at Center
Cam Jurgens, who has spent two seasons navigating various roles along the offensive line, is set to take the reins as the starting center. Though he has only played 43 snaps at center in his NFL career and has yet to start a game in this position for the Eagles, the coaching staff and teammates are optimistic about his potential.
Last season, Jurgens earned the starting right guard spot, showcasing his abilities by not allowing a single sack in 631 pass-blocking snaps. His performance was impressive, permitting only 18 pressures with a pressure rate allowed per dropback of just 4.9%. Despite excelling in the guard position, Jurgens is eager to transition back to his natural position at center.
Filling Big Shoes
Replacing a stalwart like Jason Kelce is no small task. However, Jurgens’ teammate, Landon Dickerson, emphasizes that the goal isn't to replicate Kelce but to forge a distinct path. "He's gonna hear it from you guys all the time. That's gonna happen. No offense, you guys got used to that and that's gonna be your comparison. And so, he's handling that extremely well. It's not trying to replace Kelce. Cam's gonna make his own legacy, his own path, his own destiny. He's gonna be Cam Jurgens. His name is not Jason Kelce. He's not gonna try to be 62. He's gonna do what Cam Jurgens does," Dickerson stated.
Dickerson's confidence in Jurgens’ ability to handle the transition is clear. "Cam's creating his own path right now. Really smart guy, physical guy, strong guy. Moves well. He's handling this transition from going from guard and a little bit of center last year to playing center right now. Communication has been good," he added.
Communication and Cohesion
One of the essential aspects of Jurgens’ new role will be communication. As the line’s anchor, clear and precise communication is key to ensuring smooth operations during plays. Dickerson highlighted Jurgens’ efforts in this area, saying, "You never know what happens when guys get hurt right? You're rotating guys in. Mekhi [Becton]'s coming in. We got guys stepping in at different tackle (spots). Changing up the group. Just the way he's been able to handle the communication and different guys get out there, you never know what's gonna happen. I think he's done a tremendous job so far of just (providing) clear communication to everybody and setting the standard of how things are supposed to be done in the huddle before we get them the ball. He's handling it great."
Building Chemistry
As the Eagles navigate offseason changes, including the addition of Mekhi Becton, developing chemistry and cohesion becomes crucial. Jurgens is not only focusing on his technical skills but also on establishing strong communication and trust with his teammates. His ability to adapt and connect with teammates like Dickerson will play a pivotal role in his success as the team’s new center.
While it’s a period of change for the Eagles, there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding Jurgens’ transition. His physical attributes, intelligence, and commitment to developing strong communications with his fellow linemen are setting the stage for a promising future. As Jurgens continues to grow into his role, the Philadelphia Eagles are poised to embrace the forthcoming season with renewed vigor and determination.