Allen Barbre Settling In At Left Guard
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Allen Barbre's 2014 season was painful in more ways than one.
Barbre was expected to see plenty of action last season, but an ankle injury in week one landed Barbre on injured reserve. The versitile lineman was forced to watch from the sidelines as the Eagles slid out of playoff contention at the end of December. It was a helpless feeling for Barbre, who was hoping to be a key contributor on the offensive line.
"It's tough sitting there watching your team," said Barbre. "Sitting on the sideline, you can't do anything about it. It was tough, but it helped me get motivated to come back and work hard in the offseason to get ready."
Chip Kelly often talks about open competitions at different positions but with the departures of Todd Herremans and Evan Mathis, it was clear Barbre was targeted as a starter by the coaching staff. Barbre is receiving high praise from many of his teammates. Left Tackle Jason Peters says he is developing a strong chemistry with the man lining up directly to his right.
"Allen's a great player," Peters said. "It's working out great. I'm learning the guy every day. Right now, the communication is great and it's working out real good right now."
Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur has also been happy withy Barbre, and believes he has helped stablize the left side of the line.
"He's really helping that left side be really solid," said Shurmur. "We feel good about where he's at and we feel good about the work he's doing with (Jason) Kelce and Peters there. So he's done a really, really good job."
Barbre has been part of an Eagles' offense which has looked impressive in the first two games of the preseason. The Eagles will play again on Saturday in Green Bay, then Barbre is likely to rest with the rest of the regulars in the final preseason contest. When the season opens on September 14th, Barbre will be eager to pick up where he left off last season.
"It's been a pretty smooth transition," Barbre said. "I think we have pretty good chemistry across the board. I bascially looked at is as an opportunity to come in and play and give it my best."
