After two seasons of versatility along the offensive line, Cam Jurgens is stepping into a new, yet familiar role for the Philadelphia Eagles. With Jason Kelce having anchored the center position for years, Jurgens now steps in as the heir apparent, taking on the significant responsibility of maintaining a high standard while forging his own path.
The Transition to Center
Jurgens has seen action in 43 snaps at center over his two NFL seasons, but he has yet to start a game in this critical position for the Eagles. Over the past two years, his adaptability has been on full display as he navigated various roles on the offensive line, earning the starting right guard spot last year. During that stint, his performance was nothing short of impressive. Jurgens did not allow a single sack in 631 pass-blocking snaps and only allowed 18 pressures, culminating in a pressure rate allowed per dropback of 4.9%.
Now, Jurgens is moving back to his natural position at center, a transition that his teammate, Landon Dickerson, acknowledges is being handled admirably. "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," said Dickerson. The endorsement from Dickerson, an integral part of the Eagles’ line, speaks volumes about Jurgens' capacity to adjust and excel.
Big Shoes to Fill
The shadow of Jason Kelce's tenure looms large, and Jurgens is well aware of the comparisons that will inevitably follow. However, Dickerson emphasizes that Jurgens is focused on creating his own legacy, rather than imitating his predecessor. "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 reiterated. This recognition of Jurgens’ unique journey helps underscore the distinctive mark he aims to leave on the team.
As Jurgens transitions back to center, it’s clear he’s ready to tackle the challenges ahead, including mastering communication with teammates—a critical component for any center. The fluid nature of the Eagles' roster this offseason, with new personnel like Mekhi Becton joining the squad, only heightens the importance of effective communication. Dickerson highlighted Jurgens' adeptness in this area: "You never know what happens when guys get hurt, right? You're rotating guys in. Mekhi'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."
A New Era for the Eagles' Offensive Line
Jurgens’ development at center is a significant storyline for the Eagles as they navigate a season filled with both opportunity and uncertainty. With his ability to blend physicality, intelligence, and communication, Jurgens seems poised to step into Kelce’s sizable shoes, while also bringing his unique strengths to the position.
It’s a period of transition for the Eagles’ offensive line, but with Jurgens at center, the team has a player dedicated to forging his own path while upholding the high standards expected in Philadelphia. The support and belief from his teammates, coupled with his own proven track record, suggest that Jurgens is more than ready for the challenges and expectations that come with this pivotal role.