On Thursday, Nick Sirianni confirmed that rookie second-round pick Landon Dickerson will start at right guard in place of the injured Brandon Brooks.
Dickerson was thrusted into action on Sunday against San Francisco. He played a total of 33 offensive snaps and had an up and down performance. Now, it’s important to note that this guy is a rookie who had just started practicing last week after recovering from a torn ACL last December.
This wasn’t going to be an easy situation for any rookie, especially considering the circumstances that led to it. Dickerson primarily faced off against Arik Armstead and the veteran interior lineman got the better of him. On 20 pass blocking reps, Dickerson allowed five pressures, four quarterback hurries, and one quarterback hit. On the day, he finished with a 4.2 pass blocking grade per PFF. A 4.2. That’s uh, not great.
It wasn’t all bad though. Dickerson did better in his run blocking snaps, posting a 59.9 run block grade on PFF.
With a full week of reps with the first team, Dickerson should fare much better in Monday’s matchup with Dallas. Having good chemistry with your fellow offensive lineman is often overlooked, but it’s pivotal to a line’s overall success.
He’ll also be facing a much easier matchup individually than he did against San Francisco. Dallas’ interior defensive line is okay, with rookie Osa Odighizuwa leading the way. But he primarily lines up at right defensive tackle, where Isaac Seumalo and Jason Kelce will matchup with him. On the left side, veteran Brent Urban is the starter with Carlos Watkins out with a knee injury. On the year, Urban has totaled just two combined tackles. He hasn’t recorded a single pressure, quarterback hit, or sack. His overall grade on PFF sits at 50.0, with a run defense mark of 47.1 and a pass rush grade of 57.4.
I understand having some concern after last week’s performance, but Dickerson was graded as a first round talent for a reason. The Eagles are expecting this guy to be a cornerstone for this offensive line for the next decade, and he certainly has the ability to be that.
With a full week of preparation and an easier matchup, Dickerson should do just fine in his first career NFL start.
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