Questions continue to surround the Philadelphia Eagles’ reshuffled offensive line, but Drew Kendall is quickly becoming one of the unit’s most encouraging developments. Jalen Hurts offered a strong assessment of the young center Wednesday, praising Kendall’s ability to handle the mental and physical responsibilities accompanying one of the offense’s most demanding positions.
“He’s got great focus, great poise up there, and I love it,” Hurts said. “He’s doing a great job.”
Kendall’s transition has included learning how to identify defensive fronts, communicate protection calls, and build chemistry with Hurts. Those responsibilities become even more important when an offense installs new concepts and tries to eliminate the communication errors that contributed to its inconsistent start.
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Hurts said the move appears natural for Kendall because of his football background and understanding of the position. His father, Pete Kendall, played 13 NFL seasons as an offensive lineman and started 188 games.
The younger Kendall’s early performance suggests he is getting comfortable in his expanded role. He played every offensive snap in Philadelphia’s 27-7 loss to the Chicago Bears and allowed no pressure over 33 pass-blocking opportunities, according to Pro Football Focus. Kendall earned the Eagles’ highest offensive grade from PFF: 85.5.
That performance followed two pressures allowed over 44 pass-blocking snaps against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2.
Kendall’s emergence does not solve every problem along the offensive line. Philadelphia remains inconsistent in pass protection, while its rushing attack has struggled to sustain success for four quarters. The Eagles must also improve their operation before and after the snap. Still, a productive young center gives the offense an important foundation. Hurts and Kendall have only worked together in this alignment for two games, leaving room for their timing and communication to improve.
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The next challenge comes Sunday against Aaron Donald and a Rams defensive front that can disrupt the interior.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jalen Hurts offers glowing assessment of Eagles center Drew Kendall
