Eagles Rewind: Offensive line needs work

When a team gives up six sacks and numerous quarterback pressures, there is room for variety. So it went for the Eagles Sunday, when they had protection issues that could be attributed to individual miscues, play selection and even just poor fundamentals (a sack on a fumbled snap).

Quarterback Michael Vick helped limit the damage with vintage moves, but the Eagles can't count on that kind of mobility from Kevin Kolb. They need to give him time.

"We definitely need to handle the blitz better," head coach Andy Reid said. If they don't, it could be a season-long problem.

Here's a look at Sunday's work from center Mike McGlynn, guard Nick Cole, linebacker Omar Gaither and several other Eagles after reviewing the tape of the Birds' 35-32 victory over the Lions:

Center Mike McGlynn

McGlynn held his own blocking for Vick. But he is also responsible for making blocking calls, and in some instances Lions came free, even though the Eagles had enough men back in protection. On a red zone first and 10 late in the second quarter, the Eagles had six men (five offensive linemen plus tight end Brent Celek) to face six pass rushers. But McGlynn and Cole double teamed Lions tackle Ndamukong Suh, leaving Lawrence Jackson to race in on Vick untouched. Vick was hammered as he threw an incomplete pass.

Reid, in listing a litany of issues with pass protection overall (including with his own calls), said the line needed to be redirected at times.

McGlynn had a hand in opening up room on all three of LeSean McCoy's touchdown runs. On the back's first score, he stopped a free Kyle Vanden Bosch.

Guard Nick Cole

The right guard had the difficult task of trying to block Suh, often one-on-one. He was overmatched. Even when he managed to keep Suh in front of him, the big defensive tackle pushed Cole back. On the Lions' third sack, the Eagles had eight blockers (including two tight ends and running back Mike Bell) chipping against five pass rushers. But while several Lions were double-teamed, Cole was alone against Suh. The rookie defensive tackle powered through Cole for a violent tackle on Vick.

Cole also did better in the run game, helping open holes on McCoy's scores.

Linebacker Omar Gaither