Injuries, we’re no strangers to them here in Philly. In the Eagles Week 2 game, they lost two marquee starters in Brandon Graham and Brandon Brooks. Graham tore his Achilles and is out for the year. Brooks’ injury isn’t as significant, but he’s still set to miss upwards of eight weeks.
After the team practiced on Friday, we learned that Jordan Mailata suffered a sprained MCL in practice Thursday. It doesn’t appear to be a long-term concern, but his status for Monday night is in jeopardy.
Going from Mailata to Andre Dillard is undoubtedly a downgrade.
Dillard hasn’t started a game since November 24, 2019, when the Eagles faced the Seattle Seahawks at home. Dillard finished that game with a PFF grade of 42.5.
Mailata has been one of the best lineman in the league through two games this season, and he’s been the best lineman on the Eagles. In Week 2, Mailata was the highest graded lineman in the NFL per PFF, posting an overall grade of 91.2. He didn’t allow a single pressure, quarterback hit, or sack.
Heading into this year, the Eagles seemed to have one of the deepest offensive lines in football. That billing will certainly be tested this week in Dallas.
The Cowboys don’t have a great defensive line by any means, especially now that Micah Parsons may be forced to move back to linebacker with Keanu Neal’s availability in doubt after being placed on the COVID list.
Nevertheless, one of the biggest factors in an offensive line’s success is their chemistry. With two new starters in the fold, it’ll be difficult to find any kind of chemistry in such a short period of time.
It’ll be up to Dillard and Landon Dickerson to step up in this prime time matchup. They were both drafted high for a reason, now it’s time for them to prove their worth.
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