SUPER BOWL FILM ROOM: Why Eagles’ Jason Kelce is the best center in the NFL

The Eagles are World Champions. To celebrate this monumental feat, I’ll be uploading FIVE Film Room pieces focusing on different aspects of the game. The first episode quite rightfully focuses on Jason Kelce and his out-of-this-world performance.

“I don’t think there’s anybody better.” Frank Reich told reporters with utter confidence earlier in the year after his Pro Bowl snub. “I don’t say something like that lightly. I mean, I understand there’s a lot of great players in this league. When it comes to a center pulling, getting on the edge, doing the things that Kelce does, I think first and foremost, he has unique and rare athleticism for a player at his position, and he utilizes that.”

The one area he has dramatically improved is in discipline. In 2016, Kelce was the most penalized center in the league with 8 flags thrown his way. With two games remaining this season, that number is halved. Kelce has come up against competition just as ferocious as the year prior, with linebackers like Alec Ogletree and some of the toughest and biggest defensive tackles in the league. Kelce has emerged as one of the most incredible run-blockers in the entire NFL…all you have to do is keep your eyes on #62.

This progression didn’t just happen overnight. Kelce was the only player on the Eagles roster to play in every offensive snap in 2016, shaking any concerns of durability. As the year went on the chemistry with rookie quarterback Carson Wentz continued to grow and by the end, rogue snaps had been eliminated and the improvement was clear. The relationship between Kelce and Wentz has been reported by many as such a strong factor in establishing offensive continuity and confidence and one year later, the Eagles were reaping the rewards.

When it came to the Super Bowl, Kelce wore his heart on his sleeve and played at a level like never before. It was clear in his touching speech after the game, just how much this moment meant to him and his play symbolized that.

Jason Kelce's emotional postgame press conference will bring you to tears ? pic.twitter.com/SgyBONJWxA

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 5, 2018