Guess what? Jason Peters’ switch to tackle is no joke
Doug Pederson provided few specifics, but it was obvious Jason Peters snapped him out of a horrible daydream Monday morning.
The mental image of Chase Young pounding his chest standing over a fallen Carson Wentz made Peters’ unexpected visit to Pederson’s NovaCare Complex office the best day the coach has had since training camp began.
All Pederson shared with the media was that Peters came into his office and agreed to slide from right guard to left tackle. Pederson pushed the sarcasm button when asked about the visit and whether it maybe had something to do with being paid more to play the premium tackle position.
“Obviously, he knocked,” Pederson said. “You know, I was just thrilled to death when he shared the news. I’m not going to get into the contract stuff. That’s not my area. But I was thrilled. I couldn’t have been happier not only for him but for our team. It shows a great sign of leadership. I gave him a hug and said, ‘let’s go.’”
If Peters had had offered his protective services Sunday, maybe the Eagles could have saved a practice squad spot instead of using it on another quarterback, just in case. For now, the inscription on newly signed 41-year-old Josh McCown says “Use only in the case of injuries to the first three quarterbacks.”
The Eagles obviously were unsettled preparing for Washington and Young, the second pick in the draft, with Matt Pryor and Jordan Mailata playing left tackle, as they did in practice last week.
That the Eagles have turned to the 38-year-old Peters, unofficially the fifth-oldest player on a regular season roster so far, to save the first month of the season tells you what happened to general manager Howie Roseman’s plan to infuse that part of the team with youth.
Pederson, on the other hand, was ecstatic.
“I had not expected this,” Pederson said. “Yeah, we continued to talk to Jason and all that but listen, we were comfortable with him at right guard. We had made plans to move forward and get ready for the season that way. It was just one of those pleasant surprises that we all kind of hoped would come true.”
Wentz tried to contain his enthusiasm, the veteran of four seasons back on the practice field for the first time since Andre Dillard was bull-rushed into him, sending him awkwardly to the ground. Dillard is on injured reserve with a torn biceps.
Washington, which hosts the Eagles Sunday, has a trio of pass rushers they move from side to side. The list also includes Ryan Kerrigan, a thorn in the side of the Eagles and Montez Sweat.
“I’m excited for him and for this team,” Wentz said. “I’ve had JP back there blocking my blindside pretty much every year. He’s been the guy out there and done a great job. We call him the bodyguard for a reason. It puts us in a good position going forward.”
Pederson said Pryor will work at right guard, where he got his only NFL start last season in the playoffs, along with Nate Herbig and rookie Jack Driscoll, who have no NFL experience.
Whoever it is will be challenged by a Washington front featuring tackles Da’Ron Payne, possibly Jonathan Allen and Matt Ioannidis (Temple).
Wentz said he would believe in whoever played left tackle. That’s what he’s supposed to say. The true test is how he feels if Peters overheats this Sunday in the 82-degree heat and humidity at FedEx Field.
Don’t be surprised if the Eagles add veteran Cordy Glenn, who turns
31 after the opener, to the active roster or the practice squad. Glenn (66, 345) apparently aced his workout with the Birds.
“He did well,” Pederson said. “I’ll leave it at that.”
For Pederson, it was a remarkable Monday, a reward for staying the course and taking the media hits while he dabbled at right guard.
“This move with Jason Peters, really, really kind of solidifies that left side for us and really, really puts us in a little bit better position moving forward,” Pederson said.