For years, Eagles fans and sports radio hosts on WIP (Cataldi, Angelo) lambasted Eagles coach Andy Reid for using resources on the offensive and defensive lines. The lack of skill position players drew the ire of many.

Fast forward to today as we embark on the 2011 season; the Eagles have retooled everywhere and have legit Super Bowl aspirations for the first time since 2004. Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Steve Smith, LeSean McCoy, Ronnie Brown, Brent Celek. There are weapons everywhere on the field.

Is there even a weakness for the Eagles offense? Meet the offensive line.

The Philadelphia Eagles have all the weapons in the NFC East, but can they overcome the inexperience of the offensive line?

The Eagles are lining up just one guy who started his position in 2010 — the sometimes maligned and inconsistent Jason Peters at left tackle. Otherwise, this is a new group. We all know offensive lines need time to gel to learn how to work together.

Todd Herremans moves from guard to starting right tackle after Ryan Harris was cut due to a back injury that requires season-ending surgery. Winston Justice is recovering from knee surgery and he was back to being inconsistent after securing a nice payday in 2010. Herremans has always been underrated around the NFL and will succeed on the right side, protecting Michael Vick’s blindisde. But, still, he’s new there and that opens up another whole.

Rookie Jason Kelce, a sixth round pick, gets the nod at center over veteran Jamaal Jackson, who is coming back from two injury-riddled years. Honestly, Kelce vs. Jackson is a crapshoot from the standpoint of playing with Vick and this O-line. Vick’s never taken a snap from either guy, and only Herremans has played with Jackson. Jackson is a good guy and has the experience, but Howard Mudd must see something in Kelce.

The guard slots are what should worry Eagles fans and LeSean McCoy. Evan Mathis comes over from the Bengals and Kyle DeVan from the Colts. DeVan is of note as he just arrived in South Philly this week. His experience in Howard Mudd’s system, combined with the lack of preparation time for rookie Danny Watkins leaves DeVan as the starter Week 1.

Mudd was the guy who developed the protection schemes for Peyton Manning. He is a legend. But, he has his work cut out for him. This unit could be solid by midseason, but there will be growing pains.

For more on the Eagles and the NFC East, check out our sister site NFC East Talk.