Jason Kelce Is In The Best Shape Of His Career
PHILADELPHIA, PA (CBS) — The majority of Jason Kelce's career was spent playing alongside guards Todd Herremans and Evan Mathis. Since both were cut in the off-season, this year will mark a stark change for the Eagles' Pro Bowl center getting used to new left guard Allen Barbre and the new right guard, which right now looks like it may come down to Matt Tobin and Andrew Gardner.
"My rookie year I played a little bit with Danny Watkins next to me, and with injuries, there were other guys next me, so change is something you get used to," said Kelce, the quarterback of the Eagles' offensive line, responsible for all the line calls. "To my left is Allen Barbre, and to my right, right now, it's unknown, between Gardner and Tobin.
"Monday, it was Gardner. We'll see who it is later. That's a battle that's still shaking out. Continuity is a very big deal on the offensive line, but the more important thing for an offensive line to work well together is to have that person in the sport, before you build that continuity. We stress this. The coaching staff feels the same way. You never want to rush into a situation solely because you want continuity at that spot. You always want to make sure you have the right guy for that spot, the guy who will give the best chance to win on an individual basis. Once we get that guy, the continuity will come."
Kelce has played next to Barbre, Gardner and Tobin. With Chip Kelly's rapid-fire practices, it's enabled Kelce to get a healthy share of reps in with both Gardner and Tobin on his right.
"I know the way they move, and I know the way they think, and we'll see how everything shakes out," Kelce said. "My job is to be comfortable with whoever they put there."
Kelce says he feels great, and is in the best shape of his career at this stage of training camp. He's at around 285 pounds, and his cardio is far better than it was this time last year.
"Being a year older, you naturally get the aches and pains, but right now I feel good," Kelce said. "Physically, my body weight, in terms of lean muscle mass is the best it's ever been since I've been a pro, and I think that's a credit to Chip and his sports science system. My weight in general is right where I want it, and I don't get tired very easily. Again, it's a great credit to Chip and the team's sports science department."
