Cam Jurgens Steps Up as Eagles' New Center
With the Philadelphia Eagles experiencing various personnel changes this offseason, one of the most crucial transitions is Cam Jurgens stepping into the role of center, replacing the esteemed Jason Kelce. Kelce, a pivotal figure in the Eagles' offensive line for many years, leaves big shoes to fill. However, Jurgens is set on carving out his own legacy.
In his two NFL seasons, Jurgens has played 43 snaps at center and has yet to start a game in this position for the Eagles. Over the last two years, he has showcased his versatility by playing different positions on the offensive line. Notably, Jurgens earned the starting right guard spot last year and did not allow a single sack in 631 pass-blocking snaps. He only allowed 18 pressures, resulting in an impressive pressure rate allowed per dropback of 4.9%.
His transition back to his natural center position is a significant move for both Jurgens and the team. Despite his limited exposure at center, his performance at right guard has built a solid foundation for what he can bring to his more familiar role.
Teammate Landon Dickerson has been vocal about Jurgens' potential and approach toward this transition. "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 further praised Jurgens, emphasizing his intelligence and physicality. "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." This confidence from a teammate who has witnessed his growth firsthand indicates that Jurgens is on the right trajectory.
The role of center is not merely about physical prowess; it involves tactical acumen and seamless communication with the rest of the offensive line. Jurgens is currently developing this critical aspect of the position, working tirelessly to ensure clear communication with his teammates, including Landon Dickerson. This development is especially significant given the dynamic nature of the Eagles' roster this offseason and the introduction of new players like Mekhi Becton.
Dickerson highlighted the importance of this communication, stating, "You never know what happens when guys get hurt right? You're rotating guys in. Mekhi's [Becton] 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."
As Jurgens continues to integrate into his new role, the eyes of the Eagles' faithful will undoubtedly be on his performance. The legacy of Jason Kelce is a towering one, and while comparisons will be inevitable, the focus remains on what Jurgens can bring to the table in his own right. The young center is poised to establish himself, not as the next Kelce, but as the first Cam Jurgens.
The forthcoming season will be a testing ground for Jurgens, but the confidence from his teammates and his own impressive track record suggest he's well-equipped to rise to the challenge. Embracing the legacy of his predecessor while forging a path of his own, Cam Jurgens is ready to anchor the Eagles' offensive line into a new era.