The Cam Jurgens’ era has now begun. Seeing a new face under Center is a strange sight for Eagles’ fans after having the luxury of relying on the same dependable Hall of Fame Center for 13 seasons. It is also odd for the man who is taking over the position.
“It does feel a little weird. Kelce’s gone, and they moved my locker over to his. Obviously, that’s a little weird and I ended up in the wrong locker a couple of times. I’m like ‘Oh, man. This isn’t mine anymore.’ So, it’s getting used to things and it’s fun getting back here and into the groove of things.”
For the Eagles to have fun this season, they need the transition back to Center to go better than finding his new locker.
A New Center in Town
For the first time since 2011, the team will enter the season without their Team Captain, Jason Kelce, leading the offense. According to Jason, they have the best replacement that HE could find. The Philadelphia Eagles drafted his hand-picked successor two years ago, Cam Jurgens.
Cam did an admirable job playing RG last season, especially considering he never played the position, but he will be asked to do more this season.
His transition back to the Center will be more comfortable than what he was asked to do last season. Cam Jurgens will have to learn the many nuances of being an NFL Center, but he will not have to worry about protecting space. He will also be back in the position that convinced Jason Kelce he would be the man to succeed him.
The time is now for Cam Jurgens to prove his mentor and former teammate right. The success of the Eagles’ offense likely depends on it.
Experience
Jurgens played Center for the University of Nebraska 3 years ago but has not played the position in the NFL. Cam had valuable first-team reps at Center in training camp during 2022 when Kelce was recovering from an elbow scope. The team saw his ability during that time and Cam benefitted from the experience.
What Cam Jurgens and, Jason Kelce before him, lack in size they make up for with strength and knowledge of the game. Their technique is sound and they gain an advantage by using leverage. Lane Johnson agrees.
“I think with Cam, him being 6–3, he gets natural leverage on some of these taller guys. And his strength allows us to create some good movements”
Jurgens shares the ability to get to the second level down the field quickly. Cam is a relentless competitor, and Jason Kelce admires his work ethic.
“He’s my favorite center prospect of the last 3-to-5 years, I think he can be special. I’m excited to work with him. This kid offers a seamless transition, same type of player, with exceptional upside. It’s hard to explain why I think he’s so good, it comes down to how he moves and looks. He bends well, opens his hips, is very strong for his size, is an incredible athlete for his size. On top of that, just a great temperament, solid workhorse, lunch-pail mentality.”
Jurgens will also be playing with an experienced LG with a lot of size, and if Mekhi Becton wins the job at right guard, he will be bookended by 2 of the larger guards in the NFL.
The extra girth that Cam Jurgens will have beside him should more than make up for any hiccups he has along the way. He showed off his run-blocking ability as a guard and the only concern with his game will be how fast he can get to speed on the mental aspect of the position. One of the more difficult parts of the job to learn, calling out pass protections at the line, may not be Jurgen’s responsibility as it was with Kelce.
Jason called and checked most of the protections during his 13 years, but this season QB Jalen Hurts has stated he wants to take that role on more.
“It’s been something I’ve wanted to do. I think the opportunity has come”
Jalen taking that responsibility for himself should help Cam focus on other areas of the position, which should help him be prepared for week one.
Playcalling
A lot has been made of how different the offense will look with new OC Kellen Moore. One aspect of the offense that will not have to change will be the unique plays that the Eagles, under Jeff Stoutland, ran due to Jason Kelce’s elite physical traits.
Many teams in the NFL can’t run plays that ask their Center to be so mobile. The athleticism of Cam Jurgens should allow them to continue most of those plays.
If Cam can master the mental side of the game as well as the physical, maybe none of the plays will be scrapped.
Mixing in the formations and play calls that have made the Eagles’ offense so lethal with the motion, snaps under Center, and non-discernable sequencing and playcalling could take their offense from good to historic.
The Future is Cam Jurgens
Cam Jurgens knows he is following in the footsteps of a legend, but is also keeping everything in perspective.
“At the end of the day just be myself you know. I’m not trying to be somebody’s replacement or somebody’s next person. I’m just trying to be myself.”
That is all the Eagles need him to be.
As always, Thank you for reading!
Follow me on X @PHLEagleNews
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
